The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Naveen-ul-Haq, Afghanistan’s fast bowler, has withdrawn from England’s Vitality Blast Twenty20 competition in order to focus on regaining fitness and preparing for Afghanistan national team matches, according to a report by BBC News.
Naveen had previously signed a contract with Yorkshire
County Cricket Club to participate in the tournament. However, he told the BBC
that he would not take part in the competition.
“I am not participating in the Blast in the hope of preparing
myself for Afghanistan national team matches,” Naveen said. “I informed
Yorkshire that unfortunately I will not be able to play for them.”
The Afghan pacer underwent shoulder surgery in London
several months ago after suffering an injury that ruled him out of the Asia Cup
and other international matches for Afghanistan.
Naveen has not played any international cricket since
December 2024. His last appearance in a domestic Twenty20 league came four
months ago before he traveled to London for surgery and recovery. During his
rehabilitation period, he signed with Yorkshire to play in the Vitality Blast
tournament.
The Vitality Blast is England and Wales’ premier domestic
Twenty20 cricket competition and features 18 county clubs.
Naveen has represented Afghanistan in 15 One-Day
Internationals and 48 Twenty20 Internationals, taking 22 wickets in ODIs and 67
wickets in T20Is.
Across various T20 leagues worldwide, Naveen has played 223
matches and claimed 271 wickets.
