Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Auqib Nabi Joins Surrey Ahead of India’s New Zealand Tests
Auqib Nabi is a fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir.
He is going to England to play cricket for Surrey.
He may play three County Championship matches.
His first game could be against Yorkshire at The Oval on September 2.
India hopes the experience will help him prepare for Tests in New Zealand.
Nabi was selected as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in India’s squad against Sri Lanka, but he did not play.
He had an excellent Ranji Trophy season, taking 60 wickets and helping Jammu and Kashmir win their first title.
He is expected to return to India before India A plays Australia A.
Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is set to play up to three County Championship matches for Surrey.
Nabi is expected to debut against Yorkshire at The Oval on September 2 after completing his work-visa formalities.
India’s team management sees English conditions as useful preparation for New Zealand’s early-summer Tests.
Nabi was called up as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement against Sri Lanka but did not play in the two Tests.
He took 60 wickets, including seven five-wicket hauls, as Jammu and Kashmir won their maiden Ranji Trophy title.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi, Surrey, and India’s team management and selectors are central to the report.
- What
- Nabi is set to join Surrey for a possible three-match County Championship stint before India’s upcoming assignments and Test plans.
- When
- He is expected to play from September 2, with matches listed against Yorkshire, Sussex, and Glamorgan; reports place India’s New Zealand Tests in either October or November.
- Where
- The county matches are in England, including fixtures at The Oval and Hove; India’s later matches include games in New Zealand and India A fixtures in Puducherry.
- Why
- The stint is intended to give Nabi first-class experience in English, seamer-friendly conditions considered similar to those in New Zealand, while strengthening his case for India’s Test squad.
- County club
- Surrey
- Expected stint
- Up to three County Championship Division One matches
- Potential debut
- Against Yorkshire at The Oval, beginning September 2
- Other listed fixtures
- Sussex at Hove from September 8 and Glamorgan at The Oval from September 15
- Ranji Trophy record
- 60 wickets in 10 matches and 17 innings at an average of 12.56, including seven five-wicket hauls
- Jammu and Kashmir achievement
- Helped the team win its maiden Ranji Trophy title
- IPL record
- Delhi Capitals bought Nabi for INR 8.4 crore, but he went wicketless in five appearances with an economy rate of 11.46
- Next expected assignment
- India A’s four-day matches against Australia A in Puducherry begin on September 22
Sources
J&K pacer Nabi likely to play for Surrey in County C’ship
Surrey call-up puts Auqib Nabi on fast track for India's New Zealand Test plans
Auqib Nabi Set For County Stint With Surrey As Focus Turns To New Zealand Test Series: Report
Auqib Nabi To Play Three Matches For Surrey in County Championship
