Afghanistan have recalled fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq for their three-match T20I series against India in Delhi, marking his return to international cricket after a lengthy injury absence.
DELHI, India — Naveen-ul-Haq is set to return to international cricket after being included in Afghanistan’s 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India. The series will also mark Ibrahim Zadran’s first assignment as Afghanistan’s T20I captain.
Key Highlights
- Naveen-ul-Haq returns after missing international cricket since December 2024 because of a right shoulder injury.
- Ibrahim Zadran will captain Afghanistan in a T20I series for the first time.
- Experienced allrounder Gulbadin Naib has also returned to strengthen the squad.
- Uncapped wicketkeeper Noor Rahman has been selected as backup to Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
- The three T20Is are scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17.
Naveen-ul-Haq returns for India T20Is
Naveen has spent an extended period on the sidelines after a shoulder injury ruled him out of the Asia Cup last year and the T20 World Cup earlier this year. He subsequently underwent surgery for a stress fracture in his right shoulder.
The 26-year-old last represented Afghanistan in December 2024. He has already retired from ODI cricket after the 2023 World Cup, making his return to the T20I setup a significant addition to Afghanistan’s bowling options.
Gulbadin Naib also back in squad
Afghanistan have also brought experienced allrounder Gulbadin Naib back into the squad. His inclusion is intended to add depth to both the middle order and bowling department.
The squad also features four specialist spin options in Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad and Nangyal Kharoti, giving Afghanistan a strong spin presence in the 15-player group.
Noor Rahman earns T20I squad selection
Uncapped wicketkeeper Noor Rahman has been selected as the backup wicketkeeper after impressing in domestic cricket and the Shpageeza Cricket League.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz remains the other wicketkeeper in the squad, while Afghanistan have retained a mix of established players and uncapped options ahead of the series against India.
Ibrahim Zadran begins captaincy stint
Ibrahim Zadran will lead Afghanistan for the first time as their T20I captain during the three-match series. The squad includes experienced figures such as Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman alongside younger options.
The series will be played on September 13, 15 and 17. Afghanistan’s squad also includes Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fazal Haq Farooqi and Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Afghanistan squad for India T20Is
Squad: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Naveen-ul-Haq.
Reserve players: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
India T20I series schedule
Afghanistan and India are scheduled to meet in three T20Is, with the matches set for September 13, September 15 and September 17. Naveen’s return and Zadran’s first series as captain will be among the key developments surrounding Afghanistan’s campaign.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.
