Naveen ul Haq has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after the Afghanistan pacer was advised to undergo surgery later this month.
The injury has also forced him out of Afghanistan’s three-match T20I series against West Indies scheduled ahead of the global event. Afghanistan were on the earliest to announce their T20 World Cup 2026 squad, but the Naveen ul Haq injury news means they’ll have to think of replacements.
While the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is yet to officially disclose the exact nature of the injury, reports suggest that Naveen’s recovery timeline will not allow him to return in time for the T20 World Cup.
Among the major talking points of Afgjanistan squad for T20 World Cup 2026 was the much-awaited return of Naveen.
Who Will Replace Naveen ul Haq In Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad?
Afghanistan have also not announced a direct replacement so far, though AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi were already named as reserves in the preliminary squad.
Afghanistan squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Rashid Khan (c), Ibrahim Zadran (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen ul Haq (ruled out), Fazalhaq Farooqi and Abdullah Ahmadzai. Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi
Track the latest T20 World Cup 2026 injury updates here.
The setback continues a frustrating period for Naveen, who last represented Afghanistan in December 2024. Since then, injuries have repeatedly disrupted his international comeback. He missed the Asia Cup 2025 due to a shoulder issue, returned briefly in franchise cricket, and last featured competitively during the ILT20 while playing for MI Emirates.
Naveen’s absence is a significant blow for Afghanistan, given his effectiveness in the death overs and his experience across T20 leagues worldwide. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup approaching, Afghanistan will now have to reshuffle their pace-bowling plans without one of their most reliable short-format options.
Follow all latest T20 World Cup news and updates here on The Dakia.
