Justice for Auqib Nabi: Fans React to Omission from Afghanistan Tests

Ali Naseer · 19/05/2026 · 2 min read

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Justice for Auqib Nabi: Fans Furious Over Omission from Afghanistan Tests

The recent selection of the Indian Test squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan has sparked controversy, with many fans expressing their disappointment and outrage over the omission of promising pacer Auqib Nabi.

Despite his impressive performances in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, Auqib Nabi was not included in the squad, leaving many to wonder why he was overlooked. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has opted for a new set of bowlers, including Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey, and Kuldeep Yadav, to take on Afghanistan.

Team Selection

The selection panel has chosen a squad that includes Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (VC), Sai Sudarshan, Pant, Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey, and Dhruv Jurel.

Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar explained the team selection, stating, “We have been told that at this point, T20 cricket is what he is ready, so there was no discussion regarding Mohammed Shami. There was chat around Auqib Nabi. Rishabh remains a part of Test squad and an incredible player. He’s not part of ODI squad but right now he’s a key part of Test team.”

Fans React

The news of Auqib Nabi’s omission has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many fans expressing their support for the young pacer. “Justice for Auqib Nabi” has become a rallying cry, with fans questioning the selection committee’s decision to leave him out of the squad.

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Some fans have pointed out Auqib Nabi’s impressive record, with 156 FC wickets at an average of 18.37, arguing that he deserved a place in the squad. Others have simply expressed their disappointment and sadness at his omission, with many using the hashtag “Justice for Auqib Nabi” to show their support.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Auqib Nabi’s omission from the Indian Test squad is a reminder that selection decisions are never easy and often spark debate. While the selection committee has made its decision, it is clear that many fans and experts believe that Auqib Nabi deserved a chance to prove himself at the highest level.

Ali Naseer

Ali Naseer is a senior sports correspondent for The News International, known for his authoritative coverage of Pakistan cricket and his razor‑sharp technical analysis. A graduate of the University of Karachi, he began his career documenting club cricket in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Northern Areas, bringing to light the raw fast‑bowling talent that has become Pakistan’s hallmark. Ali’s work now spans global ICC tournaments and every edition of the Pakistan Super League, where he is a familiar face in the press box. He combines an intimate knowledge of the domestic structure with an ability to break down high‑pressure match situations for a national readership. His columns on the art of reverse swing and the history of Pakistani pace bowlers have become essential reading for fans. Twice honoured by the APNS and his own paper, Ali remains dedicated to telling the stories of the players and places that keep Pakistan cricket alive.