BCCI seeks English county stint for pacer Auqib Nabi

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in discussions with English county clubs to arrange a short-term red-ball contract for pacer Auqib Nabi. The move is intended to provide Nabi with competitive match practice ahead of India’s Test tour of New Zealand in November 2026.

Nabi, who was the leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season with 60 wickets, is being considered for a stint that could include two to three first-class appearances. Surrey is reportedly among the clubs interested in the bowler, with senior official Alec Stewart involved in talks regarding the arrangement.

While Nabi was named in India's Test squad for the recent series against Sri Lanka, he did not feature in the playing XI. The BCCI has reportedly submitted a visa application for Nabi to facilitate his potential move to the United Kingdom.