Afghanistan seamer Naveen-ul-Haq has decided to retire from ODIs after the upcoming Cricket World Cup in India, beginning on October 5. The right-arm seamer, who debuted internationally in 2016, has played only seven One-Day matches, taking 14 wickets at an average of 25.42.
Naveen-ul-Haq has informed that the 2023 World Cup will be his last ODI cricket.
He participated in his last ODI match for Afghanistan in 2021. In 2022, Naveen opted for a hiatus from the 50-over format to mentally and physically prepare for the T20I World Cup. During the IPL 2023, Naveen grabbed attention for his altercation with Indian batting star Virat Kohli. The pacer who is just 24 years old at the moment announced his retirement through an Instagram post. Naveen, known for his expertise in T20 cricket and having participated in numerous franchise-based T20 leagues globally, has represented Afghanistan in 27 matches in the shortest format. Announcing his decision on his social media profiles, Naveen expressed that it was a difficult choice but necessary to prolong his playing career.
Reactions on X as Naveen-ul-Haq Announces Retirement
Social Media was flooded with mixed reactions and opinions after the announcement, with some particularity questioning his ability to play cricket at all – given that his ODI career has lasted less then 10 games. Others, meanwhile expressed support for the cricketer as they see Naveen-ul-Haq to be better suited for the shorter duration of the game.
Virat Kohli – Naveen-ul-Haq IPL Spat
Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has responded to the on-field confrontation with Indian batting icon Virat Kohli during IPL 2023. Naveen, representing Lucknow Super Giants in the tournament, engaged in a heated exchange with Kohli during the intense clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. The altercation between Kohli and Naveen occurred during the second innings of the match. The Afghan pacer was also involved in a lively exchange during the post-match formalities after RCB secured the victory. Additionally, RCB’s star player was seen in a verbal spat with Kyle Mayers until LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir intervened, leading the West Indies all-rounder away.
The situation escalated when Gambhir confronted Kohli, resulting in the heated exchange. Naveen spoke out about the altercation, asserting that it was Kohli who initiated the conflict, citing the fines imposed by the match referee as evidence.”He shouldn’t have said all those things during the match and after it. I didn’t start the fight. After the match, when we were shaking hands, Virat Kohli started the fight. When you will look at the fines, you will understand, who started the fight,” Naveen stated in an interview with BBC Pashto. Following his clash with Kohli, the Afghan paceman faced a wave of criticism from Indian fans, both on social media and at the venue. He was heavily trolled on Twitter, and during IPL matches, the crowd chanted “Kohli… Kohli…” ,targeting him on the field.
Afghanistan 2023 World Cup
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACC) has formally unveiled the 15-member men’s squad that will proudly represent their nation in the eagerly awaited ICC ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled in India. Guiding this talented team is the seasoned Hashmatullah Shahidi, who will play a crucial role in leading a squad brimming with star cricketers. A notable aspect of the squad revelation is the inclusion of fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq back into the ODI team. Naveen, recognized for his speed and expertise, had been temporarily sidelined from the team during the Asia Cup 2023. His return is anticipated to strengthen Afghanistan’s bowling attack significantly, enhancing their squad’s overall depth.
Despite recent discussions about his form, Najeebullah Zadran has secured his spot in the squad, underlining the team’s confidence in his skills. His selection underscores the team’s dedication to fostering and backing its talents. The rest of the squad comprises familiar faces, particularly in the spin department, where an abundance of outstanding talent exists. Alongside seasoned spinners Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, the squad boasts the abilities of Mujeeb ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad. In a strategic maneuver, Afghanistan has incorporated three reserve players into the squad, ensuring robust contingency plans. Among these reserves is the seasoned Gulbadin Naib, whose wealth of experience could prove invaluable in high-pressure situations. The other two reserve players, Sharafudin Ashraf and Farid Ahmad Malik, further augment the team’s depth, both in the batting and bowling departments.
Afghanistan’s squad for the ODI World Cup 2023 includes: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq.
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