Prior to Afghanistan’s campaign in the Asia Cup 2025, fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been officially ruled out of the event due to a persistent shoulder injury. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Sunday that Naveen has yet to receive medical clearance and will continue with the rehabilitation process.
Naveen-ul-Haq’s Injury Timeline and Absence
Though he was included in Afghanistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, Naveen did not feature in the latest UAE tri-series. Based on the official ACB release, “Naveen will remain under intensive treatment and rehabilitation until he is completely fit.” His last appearance on the international scene was in December 2024, when Zimbabwe played a T20I match against him in Harare.
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Naveen appeared earlier in 2025 in the SA20 league with Durban’s Super Giants, taking five wickets from eight games. He also enjoyed a good run in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in June, picking eight wickets from five games for MI New York, who went on to claim the tournament.
Abdollah Ahmadzai Steps In
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With Naveen-ul-Haq out of action, emerging pacer Abdollah Ahmadzai has been inducted into the senior team for the Asia Cup 2025. Initially included in the reserves, Ahmadzai made his international debut in the UAE tri-series, impressing with the return of 1 for 31 from three overs against the UAE. To date, he has bagged 15 wickets in 11 T20 matches in total.
Afghanistan’s Fast-Bowling Depth
Afghanistan’s pace attack is now spearheaded by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad, with the backing of pace bowling allrounders Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, and Karim Janat. The loss of Naveen-ul-Haq is a big setback, but the squad still has depth and balance in the pace unit.
Asia Cup 2025: Afghanistan’s Campaign So Far
Afghanistan began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a dominating 94-run victory against Hong Kong in the opening match of the tournament. Their next match is against Bangladesh on September 16, and then comes a crucial encounter against Sri Lanka on September 18.
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