The Afghanistan cricket team has suffered a major setback in the middle of the Asia Cup 2025. Experienced fast bowler Naveen Ul Haq has been ruled out of the entire tournament. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has also announced the inclusion of a new player in his place.
Sports News: The Asia Cup 2025 is currently in full swing, with a total of eight teams participating in the tournament. Six matches have been played so far, and the performances of the teams in the group stage are gradually clarifying the picture for the Super-4 round. Amidst this, the Afghanistan team has received a major blow, as their star player has been ruled out due to injury or other reasons.
Naveen Ul Haq Ruled Out
The Afghanistan Cricket Board issued an official statement saying that the team's star fast bowler Naveen Ul Haq will not be able to play any further matches in the Asia Cup 2025. He was already suffering from a shoulder injury, and his medical team has not yet given him permission to play. However, this is not a new injury, but rather a pre-existing one that has not healed, forcing him to be completely out of the tournament.
ACB officials stated that the medical team will continuously monitor Naveen Ul Haq's fitness. As soon as he is fully fit, he may be included for upcoming matches or series.
Abdullah Ahmadzai Gets An Opportunity
In Naveen Ul Haq's absence, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has included fast bowler Abdullah Ahmadzai in the main squad. Previously, Abdullah Ahmadzai was on the list of reserve players, but he can now become part of the playing eleven.
Abdullah recently made his international debut. He has played one T20 International match so far and has taken one wicket. This could prove to be a fantastic opportunity for his career in a major tournament like the Asia Cup. It is also important for the team that new players gain experience and strengthen the team's bowling attack.
Afghanistan's Current Situation
Afghanistan has played only one match in the Asia Cup 2025 so far and secured a victory. The team defeated Hong Kong by 94 runs in their first match. With this win, Afghanistan has made a b start to the tournament. The team's next match is against Bangladesh on September 16. Winning this match could see Afghanistan qualify for the Super-4. The team's performance and player fitness will now determine their path to the Super-4.
In the absence of Naveen Ul Haq, Afghanistan will have to make changes to their bowling combination. The responsibility of fast bowling will now primarily fall on Abdullah Ahmadzai and other bowlers. The team management also aims to prepare players to perform their best in matches despite pressure.
