The Diplomat Desk
Srinagar, TDD,The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction has brought an immense pride to Jammu and Kashmir as two players from the Union Territory have secured big contracts, showcasing their talent on the big stage.
Kulgam’s Rasik Salam, a promising pacer, was picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for a whopping Rs 6 crore. This is a significant leap for Rasikh, whose base price was set at Rs 30 lakh. Having already played for teams like Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals in previous IPL seasons, Rasikh’s selection by RCB marks another milestone in his cricketing journey. Hailing from the Bhan Ashmuji area of Kulgam, Rasikh’s ability to consistently deliver with the ball has earned him recognition and trust from franchises.
Similarly, Abdul Samad, an explosive batting all-rounder from Jammu, has been purchased by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for Rs 4.2 crore. Known for his power-hitting and composure under pressure, Samad has previously been a vital asset for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who retained him for three consecutive seasons. His move to LSG highlights his growing stature as a dynamic all-rounder in the league.
The excitement doesn’t end here for Jammu and Kashmir, as 12 more players from the region are part of this year’s auction pool. Among them are promising names like Mujtaba Yousuf, an impressive bowler, and Vivrant Sharma, a skilled all-rounder who has shown great potential in domestic cricket. Other players, such as Shubham Khajuria, a dependable batsman, and Aquib Nabi, a talented all-rounder, are also hopeful of securing contracts and making their IPL debut.
The participation of 14 players from Jammu and Kashmir in the auction is a testament to the growing cricketing talent in the region. It also reflects the increasing opportunities for players from non-traditional cricketing hubs to shine on the national and international stage. As the auction progresses, all eyes will be on these players to see how many of them secure a chance to showcase their skills in the world’s most popular T20 league.(TDD)