New Delhi, September 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq is set to return to international cricket after almost two years, but the 26-year-old has revealed the physical and mental challenges he endured during a lengthy injury rehabilitation ahead of the T20I series against India.
Naveen was sidelined by a succession of injuries, including a stress fracture in his right shoulder that ruled him out of Afghanistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. He said the prolonged absence from cricket was particularly difficult mentally.
“It is lonely. It’s a very tough time for a person. The stress fracture healed itself within eight to ten weeks. But I had a second surgery for labrum repair. For the first six weeks of rehab in the UK, I had to sit while sleeping,” Naveen told Cricinfo.
Naveen made his Afghanistan debut in an ODI against Bangladesh in 2016 at the age of 17 and has since emerged as one of the country’s key T20 bowlers, particularly in the death overs.
He played a significant role in Afghanistan’s run to the semi-finals of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, taking 13 wickets at an average of 12.30 and an economy rate of 6.00.
The pacer also admitted that it was difficult to watch Afghanistan suffer a dramatic double Super Over defeat against South Africa in Ahmedabad during the 2026 T20 World Cup while he was unable to contribute.
“I had the feeling that if I was there for the team, maybe I could have done something different in the death overs,” he said.
Naveen retired from ODI cricket in 2023, with recurring injuries contributing to his decision. His focus now, however, is firmly on returning to Afghanistan’s T20 setup and making the most of his international comeback.
He also highlighted the strong camaraderie within the current Afghanistan side, pointing out that several members of the squad have grown together since the Under-19 level.
“In this generation, you will see nine or ten players who have been playing for Afghanistan since the Under-19s together, since 2018. Those players are now in the national team, playing franchise cricket all over,” Naveen said.
With his rehabilitation behind him, Naveen is eager to spend as much time as possible on the field despite the physical demands placed on fast bowlers.
“We have to play as much cricket as we can, but one day, it’s all going to end. Everyone has to leave, and we’re going to miss it as cricketers. We have to play, get on the ground, and feel the pressure,” he said.
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