Afghanistan have suffered a setback ahead of the important group stage matches in the tournament of Asia Cup 2025, with leading pace bowler Naveen-ul-Haq officially ruled out due to a shoulder injury. The development was confirmed through an official statement from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) released earlier today, confirming that although Naveen has begun rehabilitation he has not yet recovered enough to participate in competitive play.
Although he was named in the original squad, Naveen’s availability has always been in- doubt since he recently missed the UAE tri-series. The ACB went on to clarify that he is undergoing rehabilitation, and will continue to recover under the supervision of the medical team. Since his experience and efficiency with the new ball in white-ball formats is hard to duplicate, his absence will be felt.
In place of Naveen, Abdollah Ahmadzai has been called into the squad. He was named in the original reserves, but impressed on his T20I debut in the UAE tri-series, taking on e for 31. Ahmadzai has a promising domestic record of 15 wickets in 11 T20s.
Naveen last played for Afghanistan in December 2024 against Zimbabwe but has had a busy franchise cricket calendar this year. He competed in South Africa’s SA20 for Durban’s Super Giants and enjoyed a positive 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA, where he took eight wickets for MI New York, the champions of 2025.
Afghanistan began their Asia Cup campaign with a dominant performance which culminated in a 94-run win over Hong Kong. They will aim to continue their positive momentum with group matches against Bangladesh (Sept 16) and Sri Lanka (Sept 18). After recent injuries, the pace attack largely involves Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, and fast-bowling allrounders such as Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, and Karim Janat.
Ahmadzai’s selection creates an excellent opportunity for the young bowler to show what he can do at a higher stage, as Afghanistan continues to build a solid pace unit for the future.
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