Big Blow for Afghanistan | Naveen-ul-Haq to Miss Bangladesh T20Is

image-ljtv22f4Naveen-ul-Haq in action (Twitter)

Afghanistan has suffered a significant setback as pacer Naveen-ul-Haq will be unable to participate in the upcoming two-match T20I series against Bangladesh due to a knee injury. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the news on July 8, revealing that Naveen will undergo minor knee surgery in the United Kingdom. It is expected to take several days for him to recover and return to the field.

Naveen, who was initially a backup player for the ODI series, earned a spot in the T20I team for the tour of Bangladesh. However, due to his knee injury, he will need to undergo surgery. In his absence, pacer Nijat Masood has been named as Naveen's replacement. Nijat, a 24-year-old bowler, has played one Test and three T20Is for Afghanistan. 

The young seamer demonstrated his potential by taking a five-wicket haul on his Test debut against Bangladesh, albeit in a match that Afghanistan lost by a significant margin. His inclusion in the Bangladesh tour team strengthens Afghanistan's bowling lineup and provides an alternative option in Naveen's absence.

The ACB is eager to ensure that Naveen, a specialist T20 bowler, recovers swiftly, as the Asia Cup and ICC Cricket World Cup are scheduled for later this year.


Afghanistan's updated squad for the T20I series

Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz as wicketkeeper, Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Shehzad, Wafadar Momand, Hazratullah Zazai, Sediqullah Atal, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Nijat Masood.

Despite Naveen's unfortunate injury, Afghanistan remains determined to perform well in the T20I series against Bangladesh. The inclusion of Nijat as his replacement adds depth and options to the team's bowling attack as they continue their preparations for upcoming tournaments.