IND vs AFG: Naveen-ul-Haq Reveals Why He Retired Prematurely From ODIs

Afghanistan’s pace bowler Naveen-ul-Haq recently revealed the reason for his unexpected retirement from ODIs after the 2023 World Cup. Naveen-ul-Haq clarified that he announced his retirement from the format due to a knee injury, rather than a premeditated move.

Naveen-ul-Haq announced his retirement from ODI cricket before the start of the recent 50-over World Cup in India. The right-arm pacer played only 15 ODIs for the Afghanistan men’s national team after making his debut against Bangladesh in 2016 in Mirpur.

Naveen wasn’t a regular member of Afghanistan’s ODI squad, notably missing the 2023 Asia Cup. However, he was selected for the World Cup, marking his return to the ODI team after a two-year hiatus. He secured 8 wickets in 8 matches at an economy rate of 6.56.

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I Had A Knee Injury Just Before The ODI World Cup – Naveen-ul-Haq

In a recent interview, Naveen-ul-Haq opened up about his decision to retire from ODIs at the age of 24, citing a knee injury sustained just before the ICC marquee tournament in India.

“(Smiles) Just before the ODI World Cup, I had a knee injury and the decision to retire from the one-dayers was subject to that,” Naveen said.

Naveen-ul-Haq underwent knee surgery in July last year. Notably, in January 2022, he decided to take a hiatus from ODI cricket to concentrate on preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022.

The pacer is currently representing Afghanistan in an ongoing three-match T20I series in India. He picked up 39 wickets in 31 T20I matches at an average of 21.21 and an economy rate of 8.08. Naveen claimed 22 wickets in 15 ODI matches with an economy rate of 6.15.

It Hasn’t Been An Easy Decision To Make – Naveen-ul-Haq

On September 27, Naveen-ul-Haq announced his retirement from the ODI format through a social media post. Naveen expressed his deep gratitude for the honor of representing Afghanistan and emphasized his commitment to continuing his journey in T20Is.

“It has been an absolute honor to represent my country would like to announce my retirement from ODI format at the end of this World Cup and will continue to wear this blue jersey in t20 cricket for my country it hasn’t been an easy decision to make but to prolong my playing career had to take this tough decision would like to thank @afghanistancricketboard And all my fans for their support and unwavering love 🇦🇫♥️,” Naveen wrote.

Naveen will represent the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He played eight matches for the Lucknow-based franchise in the last edition of the IPL, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 19.91 and an economy rate of 7.82.

Naveen previously faced sanctions from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) due to his reluctance to sign a central contract. However, he is now eligible to participate in franchise leagues globally, provided he prioritizes the interests of the ACB and Afghanistan.

Also read: IND vs AFG: Afghanistan Cricket Board Ease Sanctions On Naveen Ul Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman And Fazalhaq Farooqi After “Final Warning”