Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq is poised to make his long-awaited return to international cricket after nearly two years on the sidelines due to injuries. His comeback is set for a three-match Twenty20 series against India, which kicks off on Sunday.
The 26-year-old Naveen has faced a challenging rehabilitation journey, beginning with a stress fracture in his right shoulder that ultimately required surgery to repair a labrum injury. Reflecting on his time away from the game, Naveen expressed the emotional toll of his situation. “It is lonely. It’s a very tough time for a person,” he shared with ESPNcricinfo.
His recovery process was particularly arduous, especially during the initial weeks when he was required to sleep in a sitting position. “The stress fracture healed itself within eight to ten weeks. But I had a second surgery for labrum repair,” he explained, highlighting the difficulties he faced during his rehabilitation in Britain.
Naveen made his international debut for Afghanistan in an ODI against Bangladesh back in 2016 when he was just 17 years old. He later captained the Under-19 team to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, showcasing his leadership and talent from a young age. Known for his ability to bowl effectively in the death overs, Naveen was instrumental in Afghanistan’s journey to the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he took 13 wickets at an impressive average of 12.30 and an economy rate of 6.00.
Although he was initially included in Afghanistan’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, his shoulder injury prevented him from participating. Watching Afghanistan's thrilling defeat to South Africa in a double-super-over match in Ahmedabad while recovering was particularly painful for him. “I had the feeling that if I was there for the team, maybe I could have done something different in the death overs,” he lamented.
In 2023, Naveen made the decision to retire from ODI cricket due to ongoing injury concerns, but he remains dedicated to the T20 format. He also expressed his excitement about the current Afghanistan squad, noting the strong camaraderie among players who have been together since their Under-19 days. “In this generation, you will see nine or ten players who have been playing for Afghanistan since the Under-19s together, since 2018,” he remarked, mentioning teammates like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
As he prepares for his return, Naveen is eager to seize the opportunity to contribute to his team. “We have to play as much cricket as we can, but one day, it’s all going to end,” he said, emphasizing the importance of making the most of every moment on the field. The upcoming T20 series against India, with matches scheduled for September 13, 15, and 17 in Delhi, marks a significant milestone in his career and a chance for him to showcase his skills once again.
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