Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 due to a shoulder injury, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced Monday.
Naveen, regarded as one of the team’s most experienced pacers, has not been cleared by the ACB medical team to play in the remaining matches. He will continue undergoing treatment and rehabilitation until he regains full fitness, the board said in a statement.
In his absence, fast bowler Abdullah Ahmadzai has been promoted from the reserves to the main squad. Ahmadzai, who recently made his international debut, is expected to bolster Afghanistan’s bowling attack for the remainder of the tournament.
“The ACB wishes Naveen-ul-Haq a speedy recovery and extends its best wishes to Abdullah Ahmadzai for the matches ahead,” the board said.
The loss of Naveen, who has played key roles in Afghanistan’s T20 campaigns in recent years, is a setback as the team pushes forward in the Asia Cup. Ahmadzai’s promotion gives him a chance to cement his place on the international stage.
Afghanistan are competing in the Asia Cup 2025 alongside cricket powerhouses India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
