Auqib Nabi’s childhood prediction that one day cricket stars would ask him for selfies has become reality after the 29-year-old all-rounder made history as the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to receive an India Test call-up.

Nabi was added to India’s squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka, which begins on 15 August, after replacing Jasprit Bumrah. His selection represents a major milestone for a region where sporting opportunities have long been restricted by limited infrastructure, harsh winters and years of conflict.

Raised in a village in Baramulla district, Nabi began playing cricket on local grounds with few facilities. His father, Ghulam Nabi Dar, initially wanted him to focus on education and become a doctor.

“There was no scope in cricket,” his father said, recalling how he once believed pursuing sport was a waste of time. His view changed after seeing his son’s commitment to the game, and he began supporting Nabi’s ambitions.

Nabi travelled about 70km to Srinagar to train on proper cricket pitches and did not even own spike shoes when he attended his first trials. His cousin Bilal Ahmad Dar said Nabi maintained an intense training routine for years, combining early morning gym sessions with long hours of cricket practice.

His breakthrough came in 2020 when he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Jammu and Kashmir and took five wickets against Jharkhand.

The all-rounder continued to develop and claimed 44 wickets during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, becoming the competition’s leading fast bowler. His biggest breakthrough came the following season, when he took 60 wickets in 10 matches and helped Jammu and Kashmir win their first Ranji Trophy title after 67 years.

The performances earned him an Indian Premier League contract worth 84 million rupees, with Delhi Capitals, although his opportunities in the tournament were limited.

Former Jammu and Kashmir captain Parvez Rasool said Nabi’s discipline and work ethic had always distinguished him.

Jammu and Kashmir has been affiliated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India since 1957 but continues to have limited major cricket facilities. The region has two main stadiums, while severe winters, snowfall and past instability have presented additional challenges.

Rasool said Nabi’s selection could inspire young players across the region by showing that a career in professional cricket is possible.

“For a long time, people questioned whether someone from our region could make it to India’s Test team,” Rasool said. “Auqib has answered that question.”

For Nabi’s father, the achievement has brought a new kind of recognition. He said people now approach him in public to say they know him as “Auqib’s father”.

After years of travelling, training and waiting for recognition, Nabi has reached the national stage, fulfilling a promise he made as a young cricketer.

British boxer Raven Chapman could return to the UK next week after undergoing a second successful operation following a serious brain injury sustained during a training session in Denmark.

The 32-year-old former world title challenger collapsed after a sparring session on July 24 and was airlifted to hospital. Doctors diagnosed her with a brain haematoma and cerebral oedema, requiring emergency surgery and intensive medical care.

Chapman was placed in a medically induced coma following the initial operation. Her management company, Vote Boxing, has now confirmed that she has undergone another successful procedure as doctors continue to monitor her recovery.

“This marks another important step in her recovery while also making it safer for her to travel back to the UK,” the company said in a statement.

The management team said that if her condition continues to improve, Chapman is expected to fly home sometime next week. She would then continue her rehabilitation surrounded by family and close friends.

“Although there is still a long road ahead, this is a significant milestone, and we remain hopeful as Raven continues to make progress each day,” the statement added.

Chapman, who was born in Norwich, has recorded 10 victories and two defeats during her professional boxing career. She became a prominent figure in women’s boxing after challenging for the WBC featherweight world title.

Her most notable defeat came against Skye Nicolson in October 2024, when the two fighters met for the WBC featherweight championship in Saudi Arabia. The bout was the first women’s world title fight staged in the country.

News of Chapman’s condition has prompted widespread support from the boxing community and the public. A GoFundMe campaign established to help cover the costs of her rehabilitation and after-care has raised more than £88,000.

Her management company thanked those who have contributed to the fundraiser and sent messages of support during her hospitalisation.

“Your generosity and support have meant more than words can express and have provided tremendous strength to Raven and her loved ones,” the statement said.

The campaign is expected to assist Chapman and her family with the continuing costs associated with her recovery once she returns to Britain.

While the latest operation has provided encouragement, Chapman still faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation. Her medical team will continue to assess her condition before and after the planned journey home.

For her family, supporters and colleagues in boxing, the possibility of returning to Britain represents another important stage in her recovery following the medical emergency in Denmark.

The focus now remains on her continued progress and ensuring she receives the specialist care and support required in the months ahead.