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The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) recently unveiled a strong 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2023. However, the roster raised eyebrows as young Afghan cricket sensation Naveen-ul-Haq was left out o♛f the team, leaving cricket enthusiasts pondering the reasoning behind this decision.
It is worth mentioning that Naveen has represented Afghanistan in seven One Day Internationals (ODIs) so far and boasts an impressive record of 14 wickets at an economy rate of 5.78. He has also demonstrated his prowess in the limited-overs format by playing in various domestic and international leagues. The Afghan seamer’s recent stint was with Leicestershire in the Vitality 🍷Blast, where he bagged four wickets in five 🐷games.
Apart from this, Naveen also impressed in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, claiming a total of 11 wickets in eight matches for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and also is laced with immense experience of playing in big tournaments like Big Bash League (BBL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Naveen-ul-Haq indirectly reacts to snub from Afghanistan’s Asia Cup squad
Nevertheless, despite his commendable records and experience at the young age of 23, the right-arm pacer failed to secure a spot in the national set-up for the Asia Cup 2023. Naveen’s absence from the Asia Cup squad raised questions among fans and cricket experts alike. The bowler himself also shared his pain in an indirect manner.
In an intriguing turn of events, Naveen took to his Instagram account to share a cryptic message alongside a picture of himself. The caption read, “No matter how well your eyes adjust to darkness, you will never mistake it for light.” While it re🔯mains unclear whether this post was directly 🐎related to his exclusion, it does reflect his disappointment and emotions.
Fans disappointed over no Naveen-ul-Haq vs Virat Kohli battle in Asia Cup 2023
Another reason for fans’ collective letdown is the missed opportunity to witness a face-off between Naveen-ul-Haq and Virat Kohli. The two cricketers were involved in a heated altercation during the IPL 2023, and the fans were eagerly anticipating a rematch between the two in the Asia Cup, hoping for a fiery showdown that would rekindle the rivalry. However, Naveen’s absence from the squad has dashed these hopes for the time being.
Here’s how fans reacted to Naveen’s snub:
No Kohli vs Naveen clash before next IPL 😥
— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani)
//twitterꦉ.com/Vijayvk_18/status/16ꦓ95854278219641034
We will sadly miss the spectacle of Virat Kohli giving Naveen Ul Haq's bowling a one-way ticket to the stands! 😉😉
Naveen ul haq misses out from Afghanistan’s Squad🍌 for Asia cup 2023.
— VT (@vipinverse)
//twitt💟er.com/raosayam9/status/1695868123428147641
Naveen Ul Haq's latest Instagram story 👀
This could mean he's not injured and in fact dropped from the Asia Cup 2023 squad by Afghanistan. Blocked me during the IPL, and we won't be able to see Naveen vs Virat Kohli in Asia Cup now 😔
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan)
No Naveen vs Kohli for the Asia Cup I see. Although I rate Naveen 👍as a bowler but i would have loved the heated match ups ♏whenever Naveen would bowl to Kohli.
— Shreyas yaps Cricket🏏 (@Cricchancellor)
No Virat Kohli vs Naveen in asia Cup 2023
Naveen is not included in Afghanistan’s squad
Lucky escape for Naveen— ThatGuy (@05ritsss)
No Virat Kohli vs Naveen-Ul-Haq in Asia Cup 2023 as Naveen is not in the Afghanistan's squad.
— Sarthak (@Sarthak_1010)
No Naveen ul♐ Haq and Virat Kohli in the upcoming Asia🌊 Cup.
Naveen ul Haq couldn't secure a spot in Afghanistan's 17-member squad.
— Sports Glory (@Sportsglory01)
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