Jammu and Kashmir pace spearhead Auqib Nabi is set to take his impressive domestic form to English county cricket, with the 29-year-old expected to join Surrey for the upcoming Division One County Championship fixtures.
Nabi has received the required work visa clearances and has already left for England. He is expected to make his Surrey debut against Yorkshire at The Oval on Wednesday. The J&K pacer could feature in up to three County Championship matches before returning to India.
His stint in England comes as part of preparations for India’s two-Test tour of New Zealand in November. With the matches in New Zealand scheduled during early summer conditions, the Indian team management is keen to give Nabi valuable exposure to English conditions, which are expected to offer similar challenges for fast bowlers.
Nabi was recently included in India’s squad as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. However, he remained on the sidelines, with India opting for Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj.
The pacer is expected to return to India ahead of four-day fixtures against Australia A, beginning September 22. His availability could also become a key selection issue for J&K as the Irani Cup is scheduled to be held in Srinagar from October 1 to 5.
J&K selectors are likely to coordinate with the national selection committee before finalising the squad, particularly because the second India A versus Australia A fixture overlaps with the Irani Cup. Nabi could be considered for one of the two assignments.
Nabi played a central role in J&K’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph during the 2025-26 season. He finished as the competition’s leading wicket-taker after claiming 60 wickets in 10 matches, including seven five-wicket hauls, at an outstanding average of 12.56.
He also represented India A during the recent tour of Sri Lanka, taking six wickets in two first-class matches.
His performances in the Ranji Trophy earned him a major IPL opportunity, with Delhi Capitals acquiring him for Rs 8.4 crore at the 2026 auction. He featured in five matches but could not claim a wicket and conceded runs at an economy rate of 11.46.
Nabi will now look to make the most of his county opportunity as he aims to strengthen his case for India’s upcoming assignment in New Zealand.
Surrey have previously featured several Indian players, including Sai Sudharsan and Mahipal Lomror, while spinner Rahul Chahar is also contracted with the club.
