Sometimes, injuries in cricket come at the worst time possible. One minute you are bouncing around T20 leagues, the next you are staring in front of a doctor while the World Cup bus leaves without you. Former Lucknow Super Giants pacer Naveen-ul-Haq has become the latest victim of that reality, officially ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 as well as Afghanistan’s upcoming T20I series against the West Indies.
As per ESPNcricinfo, the 26-year-old quick is set to undergo surgery later this month, effectively ending any chance of a late recovery. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is yet to name a replacement, but reserves Allah Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi are already on standby. Naveen’s injury is a serious concern for Afghanistan, who don’t particularly have another death-bowling specialist.
Naveen has not worn Afghanistan colours since December 2024. He stayed busy on the franchise treadmill, playing SA20 and Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA, but a stubborn shoulder issue kept dragging him backwards. He missed the Asia Cup 2025 for the same reason, returned briefly in the ILT20 with MI Emirates, and then disappeared again.
Interestingly, the IPL door also shut on him this season. He entered the 2026 auction with a base price of ₹2 crore but walked out unsold. Only a couple of years ago he was a regular for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), thriving with his slingy action. Naveen did well for LSG in some parts but was released ahead of IPL 2025.
Blow for Afghanistan cricket
Afghanistan still have firepower in Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdollah Ahmadzai and Ziaur Rahman, but none bring Naveen”s experience in pressure overs. He was the bowler they trusted when games got tight, especially on slow subcontinent tracks where variations matter more than raw speed. The last time Naveen-ul-Haq played a T20 World Cup (2024), he was simply magnificent. For Afghanistan, who made it to the semi-finals for the first time, he took 13 wickets at an economy of 6.00 across 8 innings.
Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad:
Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen Ul Haq (ruled out), Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran. Reserves: Allah Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi
Former LSG pacer ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 Inside Sport India.
Hence then, the article about former lsg pacer ruled out of t20 world cup 2026 was published today ( ) and is available on Inside sport ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Former LSG pacer ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 )
Also on site :
- National park staff are asking about citizenship status. Here’s why
- Sleeper Fantasy Promo Code NYPBONUS: Get $20 + 100% deposit match up to $100 for CFP national championship
- 2026 Pro Swim Series — Austin: Day 2 Finals Live Recap