Afghanistan seamer Naveen-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the ongoing Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 after failing to recover from a shoulder injury. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) medical team declared him unfit to participate in the remaining tournament.
“Naveen will continue to undergo intensive treatment and rehabilitation until he is fully fit,” the ACB said in a post on X.
Abdullah Ahmadzai Added to Main Squad
To replace Haq, fast bowler Abdullah Ahmadzai, who was previously in the reserves and recently made his international debut, has been added to Afghanistan’s main squad for the Asia Cup 2025, according to the ACB.
Naveen-ul-Haq has represented Afghanistan in 48 T20 Internationals, taking 67 wickets at an average of 18.73 and an economy rate of 7.79, with his best bowling figures being 4/20. His absence will be a significant loss for the team’s bowling lineup.
Afghanistan Eyes Continued Dominance
Afghanistan started their Asia Cup campaign with a commanding 94-run win over Hong Kong in their Group B clash at Abu Dhabi. Half-centurions Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai were the standout performers with the bat, particularly in the final overs.
Afghanistan will face Bangladesh in match nine at the Dubai International Stadium on September 16. It is a must-win game for Bangladesh to stay in contention for a Super Four spot, while Afghanistan will aim to maintain their unbeaten run and strengthen their position at the top of Group B.
Afghanistan squad: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooq.