Naveen-ul-Haq returns for Afghanistan

The 26-year-old returns determined to make up for lost time after a difficult rehabilitation

Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq is set to make his international return after almost two years out with injuries when his side face India in a three-match Twenty20 series starting on Sunday.

Naveen, 26, has endured a difficult rehabilitation process after a stress fracture in his right shoulder was followed by surgery to repair a labrum injury.

“It is lonely. It’s a very tough time for a person,” Naveen told ESPNcricinfo.

“The stress fracture healed itself within eight to ten weeks. But I had a second surgery for labrum repair.”

The bowler said his rehabilitation in Britain was particularly challenging, recalling that he had to sit while sleeping during the first six weeks.

Naveen made his Afghanistan debut in an ODI against Bangladesh in 2016, aged 17, and later captained the country’s Under-19 side to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

He has established himself as a specialist at the death and was a key member of Afghanistan’s run to the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, taking 13 wickets at an average of 12.30 and an economy rate of 6.00.

He was initially named in Afghanistan’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup but was ruled out by his shoulder injury.

Naveen said watching Afghanistan’s defeat by South Africa in a dramatic double-super-over contest in Ahmedabad while sidelined was particularly difficult.

“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.

He retired from ODI cricket in 2023, citing concerns over injuries, but remains committed to the shortest format.

Naveen also highlighted the familiarity within Afghanistan’s current squad, with several players having come through the Under-19 system together.

“In this generation, you will see nine or ten players who have been playing for Afghanistan since the Under-19s together, since 2018,” he said.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are among those from that group who have since established themselves in the senior side.

After a lengthy spell away from the game, Naveen said he is keen to make the most of his return.

“We have to play as much cricket as we can, but one day, it’s all going to end,” he said.

“Everyone has to leave, and we’re going to miss it as a cricketer. We have to play, get on the ground, feel the pressure.”

Afghanistan and India play all three T20Is in Delhi on September. 13, 15 and 17.