Afghanistan Suffer Big Blow In Asia Cup, Star Bowler Ruled Out Of Tournament | Cricket News

Afghanistan in action against Hong Kong at Asia Cup 2025 (X)

Afghanistan pacer Naveen Ul Haq has been ruled out of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 after failing to recover from his shoulder injury, according to a statement from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). He has been replaced by pacer Abdullah Ahmadzai, who has been promoted to the main squad from the reserves.

Ahmadzai, 22, has played just one international for Afghanistan, a debut against the UAE in the recent tri-series in Sharjah, where he ended with figures of 1/31. The right-arm quick has featured in 11 other domestic T20s, picking 15 wickets at an average of 16.66 with an economy rate of 7.14.

“He (Naveen) is still recovering from a shoulder injury and has not been declared fit by the ACB medical team to participate in the remaining matches,” the ACB’s statement read. “Naveen will continue to undergo intensive treatment and rehabilitation until he is fully fit. The ACB wishes Naveen Ul Haq a speedy recovery and extends its best wishes to Abdullah Ahmadzai for the matches ahead.”

Naveen last played for Afghanistan in December 2024 in a T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare. He was part of the SA20 earlier this year and also played in the Major League Cricket for the eventual winners, MI New York. However, he missed out on the tri-series but was still selected for the Asia Cup

Afghanistan have played only one match at the Asia Cup so far, beating Hong Kong by 94 runs in the tournament opener. Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai struck impressive fifties, while the bowlers supported them with a disciplined performance.

After overcoming early setbacks, Atal (73 not out off 52 balls) and Omarzai (53 off 21 balls) led Afghanistan to a total of 188 for six, effectively Afghan bowlers, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/16) and Gulbadin Naib (2/8), completed the job, restricting Hong Kong to 94 for nine.

Hong Kong’s chase never gained momentum, losing four wickets within the Power Play, leaving them at 23 for four. Babar Hayat top-scored for the Chinese side with 39 off 43 balls, but it was not enough to pose a significant challenge.

Their next group match is against Bangladesh on September 16 and they’ll then play Sri Lanka on September 18.