Naveen-ul-Haq, a fast bowler, was included in the 15-man roster for a three-match Twenty20 International series against India, marking his first return to the Afghanistan team in nearly two years. Ibrahim Zadran will take over as his captain, starting on September 13 in Delhi.
Naveen-ul-Haq, who hasn’t played for his country since December 2024, was supposed to play in Afghanistan’s series against the West Indies in the United Arab Emirates and the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
However, a stress fracture in his right shoulder kept him out of action for more than eight months.
After missing Afghanistan’s most recent ODI series against Ireland, which they won 4-0, because of his CPL obligations, veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi returns to the white-ball team.
In the meanwhile, spinner Nangeyalia Kharote has been reintroduced to the main squad despite missing out on the T20 World Cup, and uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor ul Rahman has been recruited as the second wicketkeeper, behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq has been completely removed from the team, and batsman Shahidullah Kamal has been sent to the reserves.
After missing out on a Super Eight spot in the T20 World Cup in March, Afghanistan is participating in their first Twenty20 International series. After the competition, Zadran was chosen Afghanistan’s new captain, replacing regular player Rashid Khan.
Meanwhile, Gulbadin Naib has been kept on. He participated in the T20 World Cup with Afghanistan, although he was not there for their June Test and One-Day Internationals against India and their August One-Day Internationals against Ireland.
All three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) between Afghanistan and India will take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on September 13, 15, and 17, respectively.
