Afghanistan have suffered a setback in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 as pacer Naveen Ul Haq has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that he has not been cleared by the medical team to feature in the remaining matches of the tournament. In his absence, 22-year-old pacer Abdullah Ahmadzai has been drafted into the main squad from the reserves.
The board, in its statement, wished Naveen a speedy recovery and expressed confidence in Ahmadzai stepping up. Naveen last represented Afghanistan in December 2024 against Zimbabwe in Harare. Earlier this year, he turned out for MI New York in Major League Cricket and also featured in the SA20 league before missing the tri-series in Sharjah. Despite not being fully fit, he was initially included in the Asia Cup squad, but his ongoing recovery has forced the management to make changes.
Abdullah Ahmadzai Earns His Chance
Ahmadzai, considered one of Afghanistan’s promising fast bowlers, now has the opportunity to prove himself on the bigger stage. He made his international debut recently against the UAE during the tri-series in Sharjah, picking up 1/31.
Though his international experience is limited, his domestic record shows promise, with 15 wickets from 11 T20 matches at an average of 16.66 and an economy of 7.14. Known for his ability to bowl with control in the middle overs, Ahmadzai’s inclusion adds depth to Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
With Naveen sidelined, the selectors are banking on the youngster to bring energy and balance to the pace department. The ACB has extended its best wishes to him as Afghanistan look to continue their strong start to the tournament.
Afghanistan’s Winning Start and Upcoming Fixtures
Despite losing Naveen, Afghanistan began their Asia Cup campaign on a high, defeating Hong Kong by a massive 94-run margin. After early setbacks, Sediqullah Atal anchored the innings with an unbeaten 73 off 52 balls, while Azmatullah Omarzai played a blistering knock of 53 from just 21 deliveries.
Their efforts powered Afghanistan to a total of 188 for six. The bowlers then dominated, with Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/16) and Gulbadin Naib (2/8) leading the charge as Hong Kong were restricted to 94 for nine. Babar Hayat’s 39 was the only resistance for Hong Kong, but the match was one-sided from the start.
Afghanistan’s next challenges come against Bangladesh on September 16 and Sri Lanka on September 18, where the team will look to build momentum and strengthen their path to the knockout stages.
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