Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq ruled out of Asia Cup 2025 due to injury

Afghanistan’s campaign in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 has suffered a setback with the confirmed absence of veteran fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, who remains sidelined due to a lingering shoulder injury.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced that Naveen has not been cleared by the medical team to take part in the remaining matches and will instead continue with intensive treatment and rehabilitation until he regains full fitness.

Naveen, a regular feature in Afghanistan’s T20 lineup and a key strike bowler in global franchise leagues, had been expected to lead the pace attack. His absence is considered a major blow, especially as Afghanistan aims to consolidate its growing reputation as one of Asia’s most competitive sides.

In his place, Abdullah Ahmadzai, a promising young fast bowler who recently made his international debut, has been promoted from the reserves to the main squad.

Ahmadzai represents the new generation of Afghan pacers emerging alongside established stars like Fazalhaq Farooqi, highlighting the depth Afghanistan is building in its fast-bowling department—a department once considered its weakest link compared to spin.

The ACB expressed its support for both players, wishing Naveen a speedy recovery while backing Ahmadzai to step up on the continental stage.