T20 World Cup 2026: Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul Haq ruled out, replacement to be named soon

Published - 16 Jan 2026, 10:17 IST | Updated - 16 Jan 2026, 10:36 IST

Afghanistan's premier fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been officially ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The right-arm seamer will also miss the upcoming three-match T20I series against the West Indies, which was scheduled as Afghanistan’s final preparatory assignment before the global event. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is yet to announce a replacement, but reserves have already been placed on standby.

According to reports, Naveen-ul-Haq is set to undergo surgery later this month, effectively ending his chances of featuring in the World Cup. While the exact nature of his injury has not been disclosed, it continues a trend for the 26-year-old, whose recent international appearances have been limited due to fitness concerns. Naveen last represented Afghanistan in December 2024 and has since missed major international assignments, including the 2025 Asia Cup, due to a shoulder injury.

Despite limited national appearances, Naveen remained active on the franchise circuit, featuring in tournaments such as SA20, Major League Cricket (MLC), and the ILT20. His last outing came during the ILT20 with MI Emirates, but recurring injury issues prevented a sustained comeback.

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Naveen-ul-Haq’s absence has placed a significant void in Afghanistan’s bowling attack. The pacer has been one of the most reliable wicket-takers for the team in T20Is and remains their highest wicket-taking fast bowler in the format. In 48 T20Is, he has claimed 67 wickets at an average of 18.73.

He played an important role during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where Afghanistan made history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time, picking up 13 wickets at an economy rate of just 6.00. Meanwhile, the ACB had earlier named mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar, batter Ijaz Ahmadzai, and seamer Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi as reserves for the World Cup, with one of them expected to be drafted into the final squad. Meanwhile, Afghanistan has received a big boost with Rashid Khan leaving SA20 2026 to lead the team in the T20I series against the West Indies. Mujeeb Ur Rahman has also joined the national squad.