Afghanistan have suffered a major setback ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the upcoming international season. He will miss the three-match T20I series against the West Indies. He will also miss the 2026 T20 World Cup, which begins next month. According to reports, Naveen will undergo surgery later this month.
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The Afghanistan Cricket Board has not yet confirmed the exact nature of his injury. However, sources indicate that it is serious enough to require a long recovery period. Naveen last played international cricket for Afghanistan in December 2024. Since then, his appearances have been limited to franchise leagues.
He played in the SA20 earlier this year. He also featured in Major League Cricket in the United States. Despite these outings, he has struggled to regain full fitness. His absence is a big blow for Afghanistan’s bowling attack. Naveen is known for his pace variations. He is also effective at death.
His skills would have been vital in conditions expected during the T20 World Cup 2026. Afghanistan will now need to rethink their plans. This includes matches like Afghanistan Vs UAE and Afghanistan Vs Canada, where pace bowling depth is crucial.
Afghanistan Yet to Name Naveen’s T20 World Cup 2026 Replacement
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has not announced a replacement for Naveen-ul-Haq. The official squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 remains unchanged for now. However, the board had already named three reserve players. These players are mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar, batter Ijaz Ahmadzai, and fast bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
One of them is likely to be promoted into the main squad. AM Ghazanfar has impressed in recent months. His unorthodox style makes him hard to read. He could be useful against strong batting sides. Ijaz Ahmadzai offers flexibility in the middle order. Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi provides raw pace.
The selectors face a tough decision. They must balance experience with form. They must also consider matchups for games such as Afghanistan Vs South Africa and Afghanistan Vs New Zealand, where quality opposition will test squad depth. The team management is expected to announce the replacement soon. Time is short before the T20 World Cup 2026 begins.
Naveen’s Recent Career and Injury Struggles
Naveen-ul-Haq’s recent career has been affected by injuries. He missed the Asia Cup 2025 due to a shoulder problem. That injury kept him out of international cricket for several months. He made a return during the ILT20 last year. He played for MI Emirates. Those matches were his last competitive outings at a high level. Since then, he has focused on recovery and franchise cricket.
Despite flashes of form, his fitness has remained a concern. The upcoming surgery suggests a long rehabilitation process. This rules him out of all major assignments, including the T20 World Cup 2026. For Afghanistan, this is a worrying trend. Injuries to key fast bowlers reduce options.
This becomes critical in high-intensity games like Afghanistan Vs UAE and Afghanistan Vs Canada, where early breakthroughs can decide matches. The team hopes Naveen can return stronger. However, for now, the focus shifts to available resources.
Rashid Khan Leaves SA20 for National Duty
While Naveen’s injury dominates headlines, Afghanistan also received another major update. Rashid Khan has departed MI Cape Town during the SA20 2026 season. He has joined the national team for the T20I series against the West Indies. Rashid’s decision highlights his commitment to Afghanistan cricket. As captain, his presence is vital ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. His leadership and experience are seen as key assets.
Rashid was MI Cape Town’s most economical bowler this season. He conceded runs at just 7.92 per over. He also picked up six wickets. With the bat, he scored 36 runs off 21 balls at a strike rate above 170. MI Cape Town are currently struggling. They sit at the bottom of the SA20 table. They have only two wins from eight matches. Rashid’s departure makes their task harder.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman has departed from the Paarl Royals. This further reduces Afghan representation in the league. For Afghanistan, Rashid’s return is timely. Matches like Afghanistan Vs South Africa Tickets and Afghanistan Vs New Zealand demand tactical sharpness. Rashid provides that edge.
Pollard Steps in as MICT Plan Leadership Change
Rashid Khan has been replaced by Kieron Pollard in MI Cape Town’s lineup for the rest of the SA20 season. However, Pollard is not expected to take over as captain. MI Cape Town are set to announce a new captain soon. Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton are the leading candidates. An official decision is expected on Friday.
Ryan Rickelton has been outstanding this season. He leads the run charts with 324 runs. His strike rate stands at 167.01. He has scored two centuries so far. Both scores were identical, with 113 runs against Durban’s Super Giants and the Joburg Super Kings. Rassie van der Dussen brings experience and calm leadership.
Either choice will shape MI Cape Town’s season. Pollard arrives with strong recent form. He led MI Emirates to a runners-up finish in the ILT20. He scored 225 runs in that tournament. His strike rate was 141.50. He hit 15 sixes, among the highest in the league.
While Pollard focuses on franchise duties, Rashid turns his attention fully to Afghanistan. His goal is clear. He wants the team fully prepared for the T20 World Cup 2026. Afghanistan’s upcoming schedule, including Afghanistan Vs UAE, Afghanistan Vs Canada, Afghanistan Vs South Africa, and Afghanistan Vs New Zealand, will serve as vital preparation.
Looking Ahead to T20 World Cup 2026
Afghanistan enter the T20 World Cup with both challenges and opportunities. The loss of Naveen-ul-Haq weakens the pace attack. However, Rashid Khan’s availability strengthens leadership and balance. The selectors must act quickly. Squad depth will be tested. Every match before the tournament carries importance.
Games like Afghanistan Vs UAE and Afghanistan Vs Canada offer chances to build confidence. Tougher contests, such as Afghanistan Vs South Africa and Afghanistan Vs New Zealand, will measure readiness. Injuries are part of modern cricket. How teams respond defines success. Afghanistan now face that test. Their response in the coming weeks will shape their campaign at the T20 World Cup 2026.
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