Naveen-ul-Haq has returned to Afghanistan’s T20I setup after almost two years away, following his recovery from a serious shoulder injury.
Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has made his return to the national team after almost two years away from international cricket. The pacer was included in Afghanistan’s squad for the three-match T20I series against India after recovering from a stress fracture and subsequent shoulder surgery.
Naveen’s absence had been a major period in his career. He missed Afghanistan’s T20I series against the West Indies and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup because of the shoulder injury. His return therefore represents an important boost for Afghanistan’s pace attack.
The 26-year-old fast bowler underwent a lengthy rehabilitation process. Speaking about his recovery, Naveen described the period as extremely difficult and explained that although the stress fracture healed within several weeks, he later required surgery to repair the labrum in his shoulder.
Naveen eventually returned to Afghanistan colours during the T20I series against India in September. His comeback gives Afghanistan another experienced option alongside Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Azmatullah Omarzai.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board had already highlighted the importance of his return when announcing the squad. Naveen was selected as part of a pace attack combining experience and variety, with the team preparing for a busy international schedule.
The India series is particularly valuable for Naveen because it gives him competitive international cricket against a strong batting lineup. After spending so much time recovering, the fast bowler can gradually rebuild his rhythm and workload while contributing to Afghanistan’s plans.
Naveen made his Afghanistan debut in 2016 as a teenager and quickly established himself as an important white-ball bowler. His variations and ability to bowl effectively during the closing overs have made him a valuable part of Afghanistan’s limited-overs setup.
His return also strengthens Afghanistan’s options for future international competitions. After almost two years away, Naveen will now look to remain fit and consistent as he rebuilds his place in the national team.
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