Srinagar, August 4: The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, has extended his congratulations to fast bowler Aaqib Nabi, who has been selected for the Indian team for the Test series against Sri Lanka. The experienced pacer Jasprit Bumrah is currently recovering from an injury, which has led to Nabi’s inclusion in the two-match series.
The Chief Minister’s office stated, “The Chief Minister warmly congratulated cricketer Aaqib Nabi for securing a place in the Indian team for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. He (Omar Abdullah) expressed that Nabi’s selection is a matter of great pride for Jammu and Kashmir and serves as an inspiration for countless young players in the region. The Chief Minister wished him success on the international stage and expressed hope that he would make the most of this opportunity and bring glory to the country.”
Notably, Aaqib Nabi has become the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to be selected for India’s Test team. He is also the third cricketer from the region to earn a place in the senior team across all formats.
Previously, Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik have played for India in limited-overs formats, but Aaqib Nabi has been called up to the Test team for the first time in place of Bumrah, making him the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to be selected for a Test series.
Aaqib made history by taking 60 wickets during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, playing a crucial role in securing Jammu and Kashmir’s first Ranji Trophy title. He was also part of the ‘India A’ team that recently toured Sri Lanka, where he took six wickets in two first-class matches.
The Test series between India and Sri Lanka will commence on August 15, with the first match taking place at Galle International Stadium. The second match will be hosted by Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club starting August 23. Prior to this, the Indian team will play a three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI starting August 7.
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