Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi could feature in the County Championship as the BCCI looks to give him valuable red-ball experience ahead of India’s two-Test series against New Zealand in November, according to a PTI report. Nabi was the leading wicket-taker in the previous Ranji Trophy season, claiming 60 wickets, but he was not included in India’s playing XI for the ongoing two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Gurnoor Brar was also left out of the XI.

With Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna receiving workload-related breaks, Brar is set to join the North Zone squad for their Duleep Trophy semi-final against South Zone, beginning on August 30 at the Centre of Excellence. A BCCI source told PTI that the decision was taken by the Indian team management and selection committee to ensure Brar gets regular red-ball cricket.

“It was a decision taken by the Indian team think-tank that Gurnoor will be playing the Duleep Trophy.” The source added that Nabi could benefit from playing two or three County Championship matches in England. “So, BCCI is looking for at least two to three red-ball games for Auqib in England, which will be handy.”

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According to the report, Surrey are looking for a swing bowler, with discussions reportedly underway over Nabi’s availability for a few County Championship matches.

🚨 GREAT DECISION BY INDIAN TEAM 🇮🇳

– BCCI is in talks with English County teams for a deal for Auqib Nabi ahead New Zealand tour. [Kushan Sarkar] pic.twitter.com/GtEaOOfxG8

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 28, 2026

Although New Zealand conditions are different from England, the BCCI believes that additional first-class cricket could help Nabi remain in contention for the upcoming Test series. “While conditions are slightly different in New Zealand, Auqib certainly will be in the scheme of things.” The BCCI is reportedly working on securing Nabi’s UK visa before he travels to England.

Other Indian players have also used county cricket to gain red-ball experience. Manav Suthar has already featured in two matches for Warwickshire, while Kuldeep Yadav has returned to England to represent Yorkshire. Ashutosh Sharma also played for Middlesex in the Royal London One-Day Cup.

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Nabi has an impressive first-class record, having claimed 162 wickets in 43 matches at an economy rate of 2.90. A short County Championship stint could provide the pacer with valuable experience and strengthen his case for a place in India’s Test plans.