T20 World Cup 2026: With just 20 days left for the start of the T20 World Cup, the Afghanistan cricket team has suffered a major setback. Their star bowler has been ruled out of the tournament.

The Afghanistan cricket team has suffered a major setback, with star bowler Naveen Ul Haq ruled out of the 2026 T20 World Cup. With only 20 days left for the tournament to be held in India and Sri Lanka, the departure of the experienced fast bowler is a significant loss for the team.

The T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on February 7th, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. A total of 20 teams will play in the tournament, divided into four groups of five each. The Afghanistan cricket team is in Group D, which also includes Canada and the UAE. Afghanistan will face a tough challenge from New Zealand and South Africa, but the team has previously pulled off several major upsets. The team is a strong contender for the Super 8, but the absence of Naveen Ul Haq, who has played 48 T20 Internationals, is a major blow. He plays in several leagues around the world, including the IPL, and his absence will certainly be felt.

Ruled out due to shoulder injury

Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the T20 series against the West Indies and the T20 World Cup due to a serious shoulder injury. ESPNcricinfo reports that the fast bowler is scheduled to undergo surgery this month, which has completely ruled out his chances of playing in the tournament.

Naveen Ul Haq's shoulder problem isn't new, and he didn't play in the 2025 Asia Cup due to this. He impressed in IPL 2024, especially with his tight bowling in the death overs. In two seasons, Naveen has played 18 matches, taking 25 wickets.

Naveen played his last T20 International for Afghanistan in December 2024. He has played in the International League T20, Major League Cricket, and SA20 in addition to the IPL, but injuries have impacted his league career. Naveen, who had a base price of ₹2 crore (20 million rupees), went unsold in the IPL 2026 mini auction.

Afghanistan squad for T20 World Cup

Rashid Khan (captain), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqui, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Umarzai, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran, Naveen ul Haq (out).

Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia ur Rehman Sharifi.

PC:ABPNews