BCCI's special plan for Auqib Nabi, arrange County assignment for him ahead of New Zealand tour

With an eye on India's upcoming Test assignment in New Zealand, BCCI is actively negotiating with several English counties to secure a brief stint for promising fast bowler Auqib Nabi during the closing stages of the County Championship, as per a PTI report.

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BCCI arranging overseas red-ball stint for Auqib Nabi

The move comes after both Nabi, who dominated the recent Ranji Trophy season as the leading wicket-taker with 60 dismissals, and fellow pacer Gurnoor Brar remained on the sidelines throughout the recent two-Test series in Sri Lanka. While senior quicks Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna receive time off for workload management, Brar is slated to feature for North Zone in their Duleep Trophy semi-final matchup against South Zone beginning November 30 at the Centre of Excellence. That assignment aligns with the strategy mapped out by Indian team management and selectors, who prioritise red-ball match sharpness for their burgeoning fast-bowling pipeline.

Auqib Nabi might make India debut on New Zealand tour

With Arshdeep Singh and Anshul Kamboj already featuring in the North Zone lineup, Gurnoor Brar is set to step in for Sunil Kumar. This arrangement opens the door for Auqib Nabi to gain valuable red-ball experience elsewhere, with the BCCI aiming to secure a two-to-three-match County Championship stint in England to hone his skill set ahead of the New Zealand tour. Reports indicate that premier London club Surrey is actively searching for a quality swing bowler, prompting their Director of Cricket, Alec Stewart, to enter discussions with Indian board officials regarding a short-term contract.

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A BCCI source confirmed that securing a UK visa is currently underway so the right-arm pacer can depart as soon as formalities are complete. While English and New Zealand pitches differ slightly, team management views game time in English conditions as ideal preparation to keep Nabi sharp and in the immediate frame for international selection while Brar competes in the Duleep Trophy.

Nabi is not the only Indian cricketer utilizing the English domestic circuit to refine his game. Manav Suthar recently wrapped up a two-match stint with Warwickshire, Kuldeep Yadav has rejoined Yorkshire for their red-ball fixtures, Ashutosh Sharma represented Middlesex in the One-Day Cup, and left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore continues to feature for Gloucestershire.