Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against the West Indies as well as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after sustaining a stress fracture in his right shoulder, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Saturday.

According to medical reports, the injury will require surgical intervention. Naveen is scheduled to undergo surgery in the United Kingdom, where he will be treated by a specialized surgical team to support his immediate recovery and long-term rehabilitation.

In response to his absence, the ACB has called up fast bowler Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi, who was previously part of the reserve pool, to replace Naveen for both the West Indies series and the World Cup.

Meanwhile, left-arm fast bowler Farid Ahmad Malik has been added to the reserve pool as Afghanistan continues to adjust its pace resources ahead of the major international assignments.

Afghanistan’s national futsal team has departed Kabul for Vietnam as part of its preparations for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026.

Officials from the Futsal Committee of the Afghanistan Football Federation confirmed on Friday that the team will play two friendly matches against host nation Vietnam during the visit. The fixtures are aimed at sharpening the squad ahead of upcoming continental competition.

Following the matches in Vietnam, the Afghan team is scheduled to travel to Thailand to continue its training camp. In Thailand, Afghanistan will face the Thai national futsal team in two additional friendly matches.

The international fixtures form part of Afghanistan’s build-up to the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026, where the team has been drawn in Group C alongside Iran, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.

Team officials said the friendlies will provide valuable match experience and help assess the squad’s readiness as Afghanistan prepares for the Asian tournament.

Afghanistan’s under-19 cricket team pulled off a notable upset at the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, defeating South Africa by 28 runs on Thursday.

The match, played as part of the tournament co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, saw Afghanistan post a competitive total of 267 runs. In response, their bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict South Africa and seal one of Afghanistan’s most significant victories of the competition.

The win boosts Afghanistan’s standing in the group stage and underlines the growing strength of their youth cricket program.

In other matches on Thursday, England defeated Pakistan by 37 runs, while Australia cruised past Ireland by eight wickets.

Afghanistan U-19 will next face the West Indies on Sunday. The final of the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is scheduled for February 6.