Afghanistan hit with injury blow, Naveen-ul-Haq ruled out of Asia Cup 2025

Afghanistan suffered a major setback with Naveen-ul-Haq ruled out of the Asia Cup 2025 with a shoulder injury

Afghanistan’s chances of making the Super 4 of the Asia Cup 2025 have been hit with a major blow. Fast bowler Naveen ul Haq has been ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury. Naveen, who has previously played for LSG in the IPL, will be replaced by Abdollah Ahmadzai.

Naveen-ul-Haq ruled out of Asia Cup 2025

Afghanistan Cricket Board on Monday confirmed Naveen-ul-Haq’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025 came to a close. The veteran is amongst Afghanistan’s experienced players in the shortest format of the game. In 48 games, the 25-year-old has 67 wickets, often bowling at the death.

Naveen did not play the tri-series against Pakistan and UAE before the Asia Cup 2025. He also not part of Afghanistan’s XI in their 94-run win over Hong Kong earlier this year.

“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. 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,” ACB said in a statement.

Ahmadzai has just played a solitary T20I so far, returning with figures of 1/31 in his 3 overs. The 2–year-old will join Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmed as fast bowlers. Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai dovetail as all-round options.