Afghan high-speed bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been ruled out from the ongoing Asian Cup 2025 ahead of the match against Bangladesh on September 16th. The Afghan Cricket Board (ACB) has appointed Abdulla Ahmajzai to replace the rest of the eight-team tournament.
Naveen-ul-Haq missed a recent match against Hong Kong and was also absent from the try series involving Pakistan and the UAE. The right-handed high-speed bowler last played MI New York’s competitive cricket in Major League Cricket (MLC) in June. He last represented Afghanistan in December 2024.
Naveen-ul-Haq ruled out Asian Cup in 2025 due to injuries
The Afghan Cricket Committee has used X (formerly Twitter) to confirm that Naveen-ul-Haq misses the rest of Asia Cup 2025 due to a shoulder injury. The medical team of the Afghan Cricket Committee has not cleared him to play and will continue rehabilitation until he is fully fit.
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“Afghanistan veteran first bowler Naveen ul Haq has been ruled out from the ACC Men’s T20 Asian Cup 2025. He is still recovering from a shoulder injury and has not been adapted by the ACB medical team to participate in the rest of the match.
🚨Squad Update🚨
Afghan veteran first bowler Naveen Ulhak has been excluded from the ACC Men’s T20 Asian Cup 2025. He is still recovering from a shoulder injury and has not been declared to be in the rest of the match by the ACB medical team. Naveen is… pic.twitter.com/sz4rjyv6k5
– Afghanistan Cricket Board (@Acbofficials) September 15th, 2025
Naveen played 48 T20I matches in Afghanistan, averaging 18.73 with an economic rate of 7.79 and bowled 4 wickets best with 20 runs.
Abdullah Ahmadzai replaces injured Naveen-ul-Haq
Abdullah Ahmajzai, who previously received the reserve, has replaced the injured Naveen ul Haq and has been added to the main Afghan team. Ahmadzai recently made his international debut against the UAE in the Tri Series, earning one wicket in three overs.
“First bowler Abdullah Ahmajay, who previously had a sanctuary and made his recent international debut, has been promoted to the main team for the Asian Cup 2025.”
“ACB hopes for Naveen ul Haq to recover quickly and expands its best wishes to Abdullah Ahmadzai for upcoming matches.”
Afghanistan is scheduled to face Bangladesh in the ninth match of the Asian Cup 2025, which took place at Dubai International Stadium on September 16th. Bangladesh will need a victory to stay in the Super 4 Bertier battle, but Afghanistan will try to maintain an unbeaten streak.
Afghanistan’s performance at the Asian Cup 2025 opener against Hong Kong
Afghanistan launched its Asian Cup 2025 campaign with a 94-run victory over Hong Kong in Group B on Tuesday. The Rashid Khan-led team is at the top of the Group B table with two points and a net run rate of +4.700 (NRR).
Afghanistan was under pressure after being limited to 95/4 in 13 overs. However, Sediqullah Atal, who scored 73, was rescued by Azmatullah Omarzai (51). Mohammad Nabi added 33, but the other batters didn’t exceed the double numbers. They posted a competitive total of 188/6 in 20 overs.
In response, Hong Kong struggled with bowling in Afghanistan. They managed to score 94/9 in 20 overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib each took two wickets, while Rashid Khan, Omarzai and Noor Ahmad each claimed one wicket.
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