Naveen-ul-Haq Returns to Afghanistan Squad for India T20I Series
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
KABUL: Afghanistan has recalled fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq to its T20 International squad for the upcoming three-match series against India.
The 26-year-old pacer is returning to the national T20I setup after an absence of around two years. He missed Afghanistan’s T20I matches against the West Indies and the 2026 T20 World Cup due to a stress fracture in his right shoulder.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board said Naveen’s return will strengthen the team’s pace attack by adding experience and variety.
Afghanistan to Play Three T20Is Against India
The three-match series is scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17, with all matches set to take place in New Delhi.
As Afghanistan does not currently host regular international home fixtures in the country, the team has played its designated home matches in venues such as India and the United Arab Emirates.
The upcoming series will be notable as Afghanistan will host India for a bilateral series on Indian soil.
Ibrahim Zadran Named Captain
Ibrahim Zadran will lead Afghanistan in the T20I series, taking over the captaincy from Rashid Khan.
The squad includes several experienced players, with Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Nangeyalia Kharoti forming an important part of the spin-bowling options.
Senior all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib will also add experience and depth to the squad.
Afghanistan recently strengthened its position in international cricket with a 4-0 ODI series victory over Ireland. The result also helped the team qualify for next year’s 50-over World Cup.
Afghanistan T20I Squad
- Ibrahim Zadran (captain)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Noor Rahman
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Gulbadin Naib
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Nangeyalia Kharoti
- Noor Ahmad
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Abdullah Ahmadzai
- Naveen-ul-Haq
Naveen’s return will give Afghanistan another experienced pace option as the team prepares for an important series against India.
