In a moment of immense pride for Jammu and Kashmir, the quiet town of Sheeri in Baramulla district erupted in spontaneous celebration on Tuesday evening. The cause for the jubilation was local fast bowler Auqib Nabi Dar, who secured a life-changing contract worth Rs 8.40 crore with the Delhi Capitals at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.
Streets of Sheeri Turn into a Festival Arena
As the news broke, celebrations quickly spilled out from the Dar household and onto the streets of Sheeri. The usually serene neighbourhood was transformed into a vibrant festival ground. Locals gathered in large numbers, beating traditional dhols, dancing, and chanting in joy. The night air was lit by mobile phone flashlights as friends, neighbours, and well-wishers poured in to congratulate the family.
Videos capturing these raw, emotional scenes went viral on social media within minutes, showcasing the collective happiness of the community. The Dar family became the epicentre of the festivities, distributing sweets, offering prayers, and embracing visitors who shared in their historic moment.
A Father's Dream and a Region's Pride
The atmosphere was charged with a mix of relief, disbelief, and sheer happiness, marking the culmination of years of struggle and perseverance for the young cricketer. Ghulam Nabi, Auqib's father and a schoolteacher, was overwhelmed with emotion. "I thank God that I have lived to see this day," he said. "His selection is the result of his hard work. I am extremely happy, beyond words."
He also took the moment to advise the youth, urging them to balance sports with education and stay dedicated to positive goals. Relatives and friends echoed this sentiment, highlighting Nabi's discipline and resilience. Sajad-ul-Bashir, a relative, stated, "It is a moment of immense happiness for all of us. Celebrations are going on everywhere. He has always been a hard worker, and today sports has brought recognition to Sheeri and north Kashmir."
Recognition Built on Consistent Performance
Auqib Nabi Dar's breakthrough is no overnight success. His massive IPL payday is built on a foundation of consistent and impressive performances in domestic cricket. This season, he has been a standout performer for Jammu and Kashmir in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Ranji Trophy, cementing his reputation as one of the region's most reliable fast bowlers.
The landmark achievement also drew praise from political leaders. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Nabi on social media platform X, calling the deal a just reward for years of dedication. An avid cricket fan, Abdullah added that he would now be cheering for the Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL season.
The story of Auqib Nabi Dar is more than just a lucrative sports contract; it is a testament to talent, hard work, and a dream that has ignited joy across an entire region, proving once again that sports can be a powerful unifying force.
