Afghanistan’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have suffered a major setback with fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq ruled out of the tournament, while captain Rashid Khan has cut short his SA20 stint to report for national duty.
Naveen will also miss Afghanistan’s upcoming three-match T20I series against West Indies, scheduled for next week, after it emerged that he is set to undergo surgery later this month. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is yet to announce a replacement for the World Cup squad.
Another injury blow for Naveen
While the exact nature of Naveen’s injury has not been disclosed, his absence is a significant blow for Afghanistan’s pace attack. The 26-year-old last represented Afghanistan in December 2024 and has endured a frustrating run with injuries over the past year.
Naveen featured in franchise leagues including SA20 and Major League Cricket in 2025 but was sidelined during the Asia Cup with a shoulder issue. He made his return in the ILT20, turning out for MI Emirates, which also marked his most recent competitive appearance.
For a team that relies heavily on variety and discipline in the death overs, losing Naveen at such a crucial stage leaves Afghanistan with questions to answer ahead of the global showpiece in India and Sri Lanka.
Mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar and seamers Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, who were named as reserves in the original World Cup squad, are among the leading contenders to fill the vacant spot.
Rashid prioritises national duty
In a parallel development, Rashid Khan has departed MI Cape Town midway through SA20 2026 to captain Afghanistan in the T20I series against West Indies — a clear signal of where his priorities lie with the World Cup fast approaching.
Rashid’s exit is a blow for defending SA20 champions MICT, who are currently languishing at the bottom of the table with just two wins from eight matches. The franchise has roped in Kieron Pollard as his replacement for the remainder of the season.
Despite the team’s struggles, Rashid was one of MICT’s standout performers, finishing as their most economical bowler with an economy rate of 7.92 while also contributing quick runs down the order.
Pollard, fresh off leading MI Emirates to a runners-up finish in the ILT20, is not expected to take over the captaincy. MICT are likely to name either Rassie van der Dussen or Ryan Rickelton as Rashid’s successor, with Rickelton enjoying a sensational season at the top of the order, including two centuries.
World Cup focus sharpens for Afghanistan
With less than a month to go before the T20 World Cup gets underway, Afghanistan’s attention is firmly on finalising combinations and building momentum. Rashid’s return adds leadership and experience at a crucial time, but Naveen’s absence leaves a noticeable gap in the bowling unit.
Afghanistan have earned a reputation as dangerous outsiders in recent ICC events, and how they respond to this late setback could define their campaign in 2026.
