Afghanistan have suffered a major setback in the T20 Asia Cup 2025. Fast bowler Naveen Ul Haq has been ruled out of the tournament with a shoulder injury. The Afghanistan Cricket Board said on Monday (September 15)that Abdullah Ahmadzai will be the replacement. The youngster was a reserve player. He made his international debut recently.
“The ACB wishes Naveen Ul Haq a speedy recovery and extends its best wishes to Abdullah Ahmadzai for the matches ahead,”the Afghanistan board said in a statement. The board has also confirmed that Naveen will return home for treatment and then go to rehabilitation.
Naveen was picked for the Asia Cup squad but did not play in the opening match after he failed the fitness test. The ACB medical teamhas now ruled him out from the rest of the tournament.
Ahmadzai, who recently stepped onto the international stage, will now get a chance to play a key role in a major tournament. The 22–year–old right-arm quick impressed selectors with his pace and control during his debut in the tri-series against Pakistan and UAE.
In Group B, Afghanistan won their first match against Hong Kong and they currently lead the points table with a net run rate of +4.700.
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