The IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi has once again put the spotlight on the rising talent from Jammu and Kashmir. With record price tags and key player retentions, the “Valley of Pace” is now a reality, as top franchises feature players from the region.
With the auction over, four main players from the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) will play in the upcoming season, including one with a record-breaking contract.
Players Who Were Picked Up at the Auction
Auqib Nabi (Delhi Capitals): The right-arm pacer was clearly one of the highlights of the auction, after having set the stage on fire in the domestic circuit with some fine performances. Known for his ability to swing the ball at a high pace, he sparked a bidding war, but ultimately, Delhi Capitals secured his services for a staggering ₹8.40 crore.
With this deal, Nabi becomes the most expensive player from Jammu and Kashmir, beating the previous record set by Rasikh Salam, who was bought for ₹6 crore in 2025. Nabi’s success shows the strength of J&K’s domestic cricket and gives Delhi Capitals a strong domestic fast bowling option.
Brijesh Sharma (Rajasthan Royals): The dark horse of this auction, this skilled bowler has captured fans’ attention across the UT. The 27-year-old fast bowler from Udhampur was bought by Rajasthan Royals for 30 lakh rupees.
Coming from a humble background, Brijesh moved to Bengal to play in the Bengal Pro T20 League to get more exposure. His determination paid off as he impressed scouts with his speed of over 140 km/h and his discipline. He now joins his fellow J and K teammate Yudhvir Singh at the Royals.
Players Who Were Retained
While Nabi made headlines at the auction, three other J&K players were retained by their teams in advance. These retentions show how much franchises trust the raw talent and match-winning skills of players from the region:
Umran Malik (Kolkata Knight Riders): The “Jammu Express” stays with KKR. As a retained player, he remains one of the league’s most exciting fast bowlers, and fans are looking forward to seeing him break the 150-kmph mark again at Eden Gardens.
Abdul Samad (Lucknow Super Giants): Known for his power and ability to clear the ropes, Samad has settled in well with the LSG outfit. His retention underscores his value as a finisher who can change the course of the game in a few balls.
Yudhvir Singh Charak (Rajasthan Royals): The tall pacer has been retained by the Royals. Yudhvir’s ability to hit the deck, extract bounce, and contribute runs lower down the order makes him a vital utility player for the Jaipur-based franchise.
Although Rasikh Salam Dar now plays domestic cricket for Baroda, he remains a source of pride for Jammu and Kashmir. He will play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), joining other Kashmiri-origin players making an impact at the top level.
A Growing Pipeline of Talent
According to Tomesh Kulkarni, editor of MyBettingSites India, a site that compiles a list of trusted betting sites in India, “This year’s auction saw a record number of J&K players shortlisted, underscoring the level of scouting happening in the region.” Lone Nasir Muzaffar, Waseem Bashir, and Abid Mushtaq were among eight JKCA players in the final shortlist.
Not all were picked, but being among the final 350 players worldwide from over 1,300 applicants shows that J&K is now an area of interest for IPL scouts.
What This Means for J&K Cricket
Players like Auqib Nabi and Umran Malik are not just joining IPL teams; they are opening doors for young cricketers from J&K, inspiring them to pursue cricket with passion. Thanks to improved facilities from the JKCA and a clear pathway to the IPL, the region is swiftly transforming into a hub for talented fast bowlers and powerful hitters to thrive.
As the IPL 2026 season gets closer, fans from Srinagar to Jammu will be watching closely, cheering for a group of players who show, with their speed and power, that talent from India’s northernmost region is among the best.
The post Top JK Players Ready to Shine in IPL 2026 appeared first on Daily Excelsior.