In a recent development, Afghanistan’s cricket team has unveiled their roster for the impending Asia Cup 2023, marking a significant omission that has left cricket enthusiasts disheartened – Naveen-ul-Haq is notably absent from the squad, dimming the prospects of a much-anticipated showdown with Virat Kohli.
The Asia Cup, known for its electrifying clashes, has lost some of its anticipated charm as Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq finds himself excluded from the team’s lineup for the tournament. The fervor surrounding a potential rematch between Naveen-ul-Haq and India’s Virat Kohli, ignited by their IPL 2023 clash, has been extinguished by this unexpected turn of events.
The buzz created by their fiery exchange on the field had captured the cricketing world’s attention, fostering excitement that had been building for the Asia Cup 2023. Unfortunately, this absence has thwarted the hopes of witnessing their clash on the grand stage.
Afghanistan’s squad composition for the Asia Cup reflects alterations from their recent lineup against Pakistan in a concluded ODI series. While the reasons behind Naveen-ul-Haq’s exclusion remain unclear, speculations have arisen that a minor surgical procedure following a month-old injury might be at play.
Also Read: Mohammad Rizwan Delivers Insightful Perspective on India-Pakistan Rivalry Ahead of Asia Cup 2023 Showdown
Naveen-ul-Haq boasts an impressive resume with engagements in prominent global franchise leagues spanning multiple countries. His on-field disputes have marked his presence, involving players like Mohammed Amir and Shahid Afridi in 2020. Notably, his fiery altercation with Virat Kohli during IPL 2023 intensified the anticipation for their potential face-off in the Asia Cup.
Joining the list of absentees are Azmatullah Omarzai, grappling with a side strain post the Pakistan series, as well as Shahidullah Kamal and Wafadar Momand. This succession of exclusions poses a challenge to Afghanistan’s squad depth for the highly awaited tournament.
Nonetheless, Afghanistan is set to bolster its arsenal with an imposing spin attack, featuring the likes of Rashid Khan, Mohammed Nabi, Noor Ahmed, and Mujeeb ur Rahman. Fazalhaq Farooqi spearheads the pace attack, receiving support from former captain Gulbadin Naib, Janat, Abdul Rahman, and Mohammad Saleem. Despite the setbacks, Afghanistan’s squad exudes formidable talent, promising a thrilling display in the Asia Cup 2023.
Afghanistan Squad for Asia Cup 2023: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Abdul Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Suliman Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi