Eight J&K Cricketers Shortlisted for IPL 2026 Auction

The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has seen eight of its cricketers shortlisted for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Player Auction, set to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Among those selected are Auqib Nabi, Nasir Muzaffar, Atif Mushtaq, Waseem Khanday, Vivrant Sharma, Abid Mushtaq, Qamran Iqbal and Ashwin Murugan.

The announcement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) marks a significant moment for J&K cricket, with the eight players now eligible to be picked by any of the 10 IPL franchises. 

Auqib Nabi: The Standout from J&K

At the forefront of this selection is Auqib Nabi, a 28-year-old swing bowler from Baramulla. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver consistent bowling spells, he has quickly become one of the most promising domestic cricket talents in India.

His recent domestic performance underscores his credentials: in the 2024–25 season of the premier first-class competition Ranji Trophy, he bagged 44 wickets — making him among the top bowlers nationwide. 

Moreover, in a remarkable feat during the inter-zonal Duleep Trophy, he became the first bowler ever to claim four wickets in four consecutive balls — a rare and historic milestone. His solid first-class record is even more impressive: across 36 matches, he has captured 125 wickets at an average of under 20, with multiple five- and ten-wicket hauls to his name. 

Adding to his rising reputation, Nabi recently underwent trials with the Mumbai Indians — signalling that at least one high-profile IPL franchise is seriously evaluating him ahead of the auction. 

The Bigger Picture: IPL 2026 Auction Pool

The final auction list released by the BCCI comprises 350 players — significantly narrowed down from nearly 1,390 initial registrations, following performance-based evaluations and franchise assessments.  Of these, 240 are Indian players and 110 are overseas recruits; the list also features 224 uncapped Indian talents, highlighting how fiercely contested the slots will be. 

The competition will be intense. The auction — to be held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi — offers just 77 slots across 10 franchises. While a select few have set their base price at ₹2 crore, the majority (227 players) have opted for a base price of ₹30 lakh, reflecting the varied range of demand and perceived value among the bidders. 

For players from less represented cricketing regions like Jammu & Kashmir, inclusion in this list represents both validation and opportunity. With someone like Auqib Nabi shining through domestic performances, all eyes will be on whether he — or any of his fellow JKCA teammates — manages to secure a coveted IPL contract this time around.

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