Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, ahead of the match against Bangladesh, set to take place on September 16. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has named Abdullah Ahmadzai as his replacement for the remainder of the eight-team tournament.
Naveen-ul-Haq missed the recent match against Hong Kong and was also absent from the tri-series involving Pakistan and the UAE. The right-arm fast bowler last played competitive cricket for MI New York in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in June. He last represented Afghanistan in December 2024.
Naveen-ul-Haq Ruled Out of Asia Cup 2025 Due to Injury
The Afghanistan Cricket Board took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm that Naveen-ul-Haq will miss the remainder of the Asia Cup 2025 due to a shoulder injury. The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s medical team has not cleared him to play, and he will continue rehabilitation until fully fit.
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“Afghanistan’s veteran fast bowler, Naveen-ul-Haq, has been ruled out of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. He is still recovering from a shoulder injury and has not been declared fit by the ACB medical team to participate in the remaining matches. Naveen will continue to undergo intensive treatment and rehabilitation until he is fully fit,” the statement read.
🚨 SQUAD UPDATE 🚨
Afghanistan’s veteran fast bowler, Naveen Ul Haq, has been ruled out of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. He is still recovering from a shoulder injury and has not been declared fit by the ACB medical team to participate in the remaining matches. Naveen will… pic.twitter.com/Sz4rJyV6k5
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 15, 2025
Naveen has played 48 T20I matches for Afghanistan, taking 67 wickets at an average of 18.73 at an economy rate of 7.79, with his best bowling of 4 wickets for 20 runs.
Abdullah Ahmadzai Replaces Injured Naveen-ul-Haq
Abdullah Ahmadzai, who was previously in the reserves, has been added to Afghanistan’s main squad, replacing the injured Naveen-ul-Haq. Ahmadzai recently made his international debut against the UAE in the tri-series, taking one wicket in three overs.
“Fast bowler Abdullah Ahmadzai, who was previously in the reserves and recently made his international debut, has been promoted to the main squad for the Asia Cup 2025.”
“The ACB wishes Naveen Ul Haq a speedy recovery and extends its best wishes to Abdullah Ahmadzai for the matches ahead.”
Afghanistan are set to take on Bangladesh in the ninth match of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium on September 16. Bangladesh need a win to stay in contention for a Super Four berth, while Afghanistan will look to maintain their unbeaten streak.
Afghanistan’s Performance in Asia Cup 2025 Opener Against Hong Kong
Afghanistan began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 94-run win 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 (NRR) of +4.700.
Afghanistan came under pressure after being restricted to 95/4 in 13 overs. However, Sediqullah Atal, who scored 73, and Azmatullah Omarzai (51) rescued the team. Mohammad Nabi added 33 while no other batter crossed double figures. They posted a competitive total of 188/6 in 20 overs.
In response, Hong Kong struggled against Afghanistan’s bowling. They managed to score 94/9 in 20 overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib took two wickets each, while Rashid Khan, Omarzai, and Noor Ahmad claimed one wicket each.
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