Jammu and Kashmir's Cricket Star Auqib Nabi Dar Honored at Baramulla Ceremony
The Baramulla Cricket Forum (BCF) recently organized a special felicitation ceremony to recognize outstanding contributors to the sport of cricket in the region. The event, held in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, was graced by Maj Gen Manoj Joshi, VSM, GOC 19 Infantry Division, who served as the Chief Guest, adding prestige to the occasion.
Auqib Nabi Dar: The Rising Star of J&K Cricket
Among the honorees was Auqib Nabi Dar, a promising young cricketer from Baramulla who has made significant strides at the national level. His consistent performances, particularly during the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, have earned him widespread acclaim and recognition.
Notably, Auqib Nabi Dar played a crucial role in Jammu and Kashmir's historic maiden Ranji Trophy title victory last month. In the final match against Karnataka, he delivered a match-defining performance, taking a five-wicket haul with figures of 5/54 in 23 overs. This stellar bowling effort helped J&K bowl Karnataka out for 293, securing a massive first-innings lead of 291 runs in the summit clash.
Playing in their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, Jammu and Kashmir were eventually crowned champions by virtue of this substantial lead, which proved insurmountable for the eight-time champions Karnataka, led by Devdutt Padikkal.
Record-Breaking Achievements in Ranji Trophy 2025-26
Auqib Nabi emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2025-26 edition, amassing an impressive 60 wickets in just 10 matches. His exceptional bowling average of 12.57, coupled with seven five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket spells, underscored his dominance throughout the tournament.
These remarkable performances were instrumental in helping the Paras Dogra-led Jammu and Kashmir team script history by clinching the Ranji Trophy for the first time in 67 years, marking a monumental achievement for the region's cricket.
Recognizing Other Contributors and Initiatives
In addition to Auqib Nabi Dar, the BCF felicitation ceremony also honored Hilal Ahmed Zargar and Muzaffar Mattoo for their significant contributions to the development and promotion of cricket in the Baramulla region.
The event further included the distribution of certificates to the Women's Cricket Team, acknowledging their active participation and growing role in the sport. The Chief Guest, Maj Gen Manoj Joshi, commended the efforts of the Baramulla Cricket Forum in providing a robust platform for youth engagement and fostering a culture of sportsmanship.
The ceremony featured the unveiling of the BCF Cup Trophy, symbolizing ongoing support for cricket initiatives. It concluded with a vote of thanks and a group photograph, celebrating the collective efforts toward advancing cricket in Jammu and Kashmir.
