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Setback for Afghanistan; Naveen-ul-Haq ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026

Rajgeeta Yadav

Naveen ul Haq ruled out of T20 World Cup [Source: AFP]Naveen ul Haq ruled out of T20 World Cup [Source: AFP]

Afghanistan have received a major setback ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, as fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the tournament. According to reports released on Thursday, Naveen will also miss the upcoming three-match T20 International series against West Indies. 

Notably, this news comes at an important time, as Afghanistan are preparing for a packed T20 schedule and were hoping to have their key players fit and available.

Naveen-ul-Haq set to undergo surgery

Although the exact nature of Naveen-ul-Haq’s injury has not yet been officially revealed, reports suggest that he is set to undergo surgery later this month. However, the ACB has not shared further medical details or announced who will replace him in the squad. 

Naveen-ul-Haq’s career hit by repeated injury setbacks

This injury marks another difficult chapter in Naveen-ul-Haq’s recent career. He last played for Afghanistan in December 2024 and has since struggled to maintain consistency due to fitness issues. 

After that, he featured in franchise leagues such as the SA20 in early 2025 and later played in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States. However, he was ruled out of the Asia Cup 2025 due to a shoulder injury, which kept him away from international action once again.

Despite these setbacks, Naveen made a comeback during the ILT20, where he played for MI Emirates. Those matches turned out to be his most recent competitive appearances. Unfortunately, just when it seemed like he was getting back on track, this latest injury has ruled him out of the biggest T20 event.

What makes Naveen’s absence even more painful for Afghanistan is his outstanding performance in the previous T20 World Cup in 2024. During that tournament, Afghanistan created history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time. 

Naveen played a key role in that success, taking 13 wickets in 8 matches at an impressive economy rate of just 6.00. His ability to bowl tight overs and pick up crucial wickets made him one of Afghanistan’s standout players.

No replacement announced for Naveen-ul-Haq.

It is important to note that Afghanistan have already named reserve players for the T20 World Cup squad, including mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar and seam bowlers Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi. However, it is still not confirmed whether any of them will officially replace Naveen-ul-Haq in the final squad.

Meanwhile, Afghan players are also making exits from the SA20 league. Rashid Khan has left MI Cape Town to lead Afghanistan in the T20I series against West Indies, which has weakened the defending champions. MI Cape Town is currently struggling at the bottom of the table. In addition, Mujeeb Ur Rahman has also departed Paarl Royals.

To fill the gap, Kieron Pollard has joined MI Cape Town for the remainder of the season. However, he is not expected to take over as captain. The franchise is likely to announce a new captain soon, with Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton being the top contenders.