Naveen-ul-Haq’s decision to step away from franchise cricket underscores the growing importance Afghan players place on long-term fitness and national team commitments amid demanding global schedules.
Kabul | By Sara Amiri
Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has withdrawn from England’s Vitality Blast T20 competition to focus on his recovery and preparation for a return to the national team.
Naveen had previously signed with Yorkshire for the tournament but confirmed that he would not participate. Speaking to BBC, the Afghan pacer said he decided to better prepare himself for upcoming national team commitments.
The 25-year-old underwent shoulder surgery in London several months ago after suffering an injury that ruled him out of the Asia Cup and other international fixtures for Afghanistan. He has not played an international match since December 2024.
Although sidelined from international cricket, Naveen last appeared in franchise T20 cricket four months ago before beginning rehabilitation in London. During his recovery period, he had reached an agreement to represent Yorkshire in the Vitality Blast, England and Wales’ premier domestic T20 competition featuring 18 clubs.
Naveen has represented Afghanistan in 15 One Day Internationals and 48 T20 Internationals, claiming 22 wickets in ODIs and 67 wickets in T20Is. Across global franchise cricket, he has taken 271 wickets in 223 matches, establishing himself as one of Afghanistan’s experienced pace bowlers in the T20 format.