Naveen-ul-Haq: Afghanistan’s Fiery Fast Bowler Taking the Cricket World by Storm
**Let's Begin**
Naveen-ul-Haq is one of Afghanistan’s most entertaining fast bowlers, noted for his explosive speed, deceptive slower balls, and combative on-field manner. Rising through the ranks of Afghanistan cricket, Naveen has become a prominent figure in T20 competitions globally, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL), and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
In this blog, we’ll explore: - Naveen-ul-Haq’s professional path
- His current team and squad information
- **5 most memorable and surprising moments** from his career - His effect on Afghanistan cricket
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## **Naveen-ul-Haq’s Cricket Career & Teams**
### **Early Career & International Debut** Naveen-ul-Haq was born on **September 23, 1999**, in **Kabul, Afghanistan**. He made his international debut in **2016** in a T20I against Zimbabwe and rapidly became a fixture in Afghanistan’s white-ball squads.
### **Current Team (2024) – Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – IPL** Naveen plays for **Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)** in the **Indian Premier League (IPL)**. The team, captained by **KL Rahul**, has **25 players** in its squad, including stars like **Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, and Quinton de Kock**.
### **Afghanistan National Team team** Afghanistan’s current team includes of **15-20 core players**, including: - **Rashid Khan** (Captain) - **Mohammad Nabi** - **Rahmanullah Gurbaz** - **Mujeeb Ur Rahman** - **Fazalhaq Farooqi**
Naveen is an important element of Afghanistan’s fast-bowling assault, typically pairing with **Fazalhaq Farooqi** and **Azmatullah Omarzai**.
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## **5 Most Memorable & Shocking Moments in Naveen-ul-Haq’s Career**
### **1. Viral Feud with Virat Kohli – IPL 2023** One of the **most contentious moments** in Naveen’s career was his passionate discussion with **Virat Kohli** during **LSG versus RCB (2023 IPL)**.
- **What Happened?**
- Naveen dismissed Kohli and celebrated aggressively.
- Kohli retaliated with verbal comments, resulting to an on-field spat.
- Social media exploded, with fans divided about who was at fault.
- **Aftermath:** - Both players were punished by the BCCI.
- Naveen subsequently declared he had "no regrets" regarding the event.
### **2. Match-Winning Spell versus Pakistan – 2023 ODI World Cup Warm-Up** Afghanistan pulled off a **shocking upset** over Pakistan in a **World Cup warm-up match**, with Naveen playing a major part.
- **Performance:** - **3/36** in his 10 overs.
- Dismissed **Babar Azam** and **Mohammad Rizwan**.
- **Impact:** - Proved Afghanistan could compete with elite teams.
- Boosted Naveen’s status as a **big-match bowler**.
### **3. Hat-Trick in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) – 2022** Playing for **Kandy Falcons**, Naveen took a **sensational hat-trick** against **Galle Gladiators**.
- **Victims:** - **Lahiru Udara** (caught) - **Nuwan Thushara** (bowled) - **Lakshan Sandakan** (LBW) - **Significance:** - First Afghan bowler to take an LPL hat-trick.
- Cemented his standing as a **T20 specialist**.
### **4. On-Field Fight with David Warner – BBL 2022** Naveen was involved in another **heated clash**, this time with **David Warner** in the **Big Bash League (BBL)**.
- **Incident:** - Warner criticized Naveen’s celebration after striking a boundary.
- Naveen retaliated with harsh sledging.
- **Result:** - Match referee intervened to settle tensions.
- Fans argued if Naveen was "too aggressive."
### **5. Heroic Last Over against West Indies – 2023 T20I Series** In a **thrilling last-over finish**, Naveen defended **7 runs** against the West Indies, securing a **historic win** for Afghanistan.
- **Key Moments:** - Dismissed **Rovman Powell** with a superb yorker.
- Gave out only **3 runs** in the last over.
- **Why It Mattered:** - Showed his **nerve under pressure**.
- Proved Afghanistan’s bowling could win close games.
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## **Conclusion: The Future of Naveen-ul-Haq**
Naveen-ul-Haq is one of the most **entertaining and controversial** fast bowlers in modern cricket. With his **aggressive approach, inventive variations, and brave attitude**, he has become a **fan favorite** in T20 leagues.
As Afghanistan cricket evolves, Naveen will play a **crucial role** in their quest for further shocks against major teams. Whether it’s his **fiery spells, viral feuds, or match-winning performances**, one thing is certain — **Naveen-ul-Haq is here to stay!**
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