Naveen-ul-Haq and Virat Kohli’s heated altercation was one of the highlights of the IPL 2023 season. Hence, the fans were keen to see their face-off in the forthcoming Asia Cup.
However, the fans were left rather disappointed on Sunday (August 27) as Naveen didn’t find a spot in Afghanistan’s 17-member squad for the continental tournament.
Naveen’s last appearance in the 50-over format was in January 2021. He has represented Afghanistan in seven ODIs so far, claiming 14 wickets at an average of 25.42.
However, the Asia Cup snub seems to have left him gutted as the right-arm quick posted a cryptic message on social media after the squad was unveiled.
Taking to Instagram, Naveen wrote: “No matter how well your eyes adjust to darkness, you’ll never mistake it for light.”
Afghanistan made changes to the side that featured in the recently held ODI series against Pakistan. Azmatullah Omarzai sustained a side strain during the series against Pakistan and will not appear in the Asia Cup 2023. Shahidullah Kamal and Wafadar Momand are others who will be missing from Afghanistan’s squad for the marquee event.
Afghanistan have a strong spin attack with the likes of Rashid Khan, Mohammed Nabi, Noor Ahmed and Mujeeb ur Rahman in their ranks. On the other hand, Fazalhaq Farooqi will spearhead the pace department alongside Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Abdul Rahman and Mohammad Saleem.
Afghanistan squad for Asia Cup 2023: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Ikram Ali Khil, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem.
