Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been dropped out of the Asia Cup 2025 against the match against Bangladesh on 16 September. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has named Abdullah Ahmedzai as its replacement for the remaining eight-study tournament.
Naveen-ul-Haq missed the recent match against Hong Kong and was also absent from the three-series associated with Pakistan and UAE. The right -handed fast bowler last played competitive cricket for MI New York in Major League Cricket (MLC) in June. He last represented Afghanistan in December 2024.
Naveen-ul-Haq dropped the Asia Cup from 2025 due to injury
The Afghanistan Cricket Board took the X (East Twitter) to confirm that the Asia Cup would remember the remaining 2025 due to Naveen-ul-Hak shoulder injury. The Medical Team of Afghanistan Cricket Board has not approved him to play, and will continue to rehabilitate until he is fully fit.
cricketballgame.com
“Afghanistan’s experienced fast bowler, Naveen-ul-Haq, has been dropped from ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. 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.
squad update
Afghanistan veteran fast bowler, Naveen ul Haq, has been dropped from the ACC Men T20 Asia Cup 2025. 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… pic.twitter.com/SZ4RJYV6K5
– Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBOFIFICIALS) September 15, 2025
Naveen has played 48 T20I matches for Afghanistan, with 67 wickets in an average 18.73 at the economy rate of 7.79, with the best bowling of 4 wickets for 20 runs.
Abdullah Ahmedzai replaced the injured Naveen-ul-Haq
Abdullah Ahmedzai, who was in the first store, is added to the main squad of Afghanistan, in place of the injured Naveen-ul-Haq. Ahmedzai recently made his international debut against the UAE in the Tri-series, taking one wicket in three overs.
“Fast bowler Abdullah Ahmedzai, who was earlier in the store and recently made his international debut, has been promoted to the main squad for the Asia Cup 2025.”
“ACB wishes for a quick recovery of Naveen ul Haq and gives his best wishes to Abdullah Ahmedzai for the next matches.”
Afghanistan is set to take Bangladesh in the ninth match of Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Stadium on 16 September. Bangladesh needs a win to be in a dispute for the Super Four Birth, while Afghanistan will look at its unbeaten streak.
Afghanistan performance in Asia Cup 2025 opener against Hong Kong
Afghanistan started their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a 94 -run win over Hong Kong in Group B on Tuesday. The team led by Rashid Khan is with two points at the top of the Group B table and the +4.700 is a net run rate (NRR).
Afghanistan came under pressure after being limited to 95/4 in 13 overs. However, Sedikullah Atal, who scored 73 runs, and Azmatullah Omarjai (51) rescued the team. Mohammad Nabi pairs 33, while no other batsman crossed the double figure. He posted a competitive total of 188/6 in 20 overs.
In response, Hong Kong fought against Afghanistan’s bowling. He managed to score 94/9 in 20 overs. Fazalhak Farooqui and Gulbadin Naib took two wickets, while Rashid Khan, Omarjai and Noor Ahmed claimed one wicket each.
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