ODI cricket surprise: Afghan youngster to bid farewell after World Cup
Cricket
The pace bowler has played only seven ODIs
(Web Desk) - Naveen ul Haq, 24-year-old Afghanistan youngster, has announced his decision to step away from ODIs at the conclusion of the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
Haq made a surprising return to Afghanistan's ODI squad for the World Cup. He announced on social media that he would be retiring from the fifty-over format at the end of the tournament in India.
Naveen had made a return after a two-year absence from the format in Afghanistan's World Cup squad, and is still only 24 years old.
The pace bowler has played only seven ODIs but has become a pivotal part of the T20I setup since making his international debut in 2016.
"It has been an absolute honour to represent my country and I would like to announce my retirement from the ODI format at end of this World Cup and will continue to wear this blue jersey in T20 cricket for my country," he said in his statement.
"It hasn't been an easy decision to make but to prolong my playing career, I had to take this tough decision and would like to thank the Afghanistan Cricket Board and all my fans for their support and unwavering love."
Afghanistan had named a strong squad for the marquee tournament in India with Naveen's return a major talking point. Aside from Naveen, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman and Omarzai form a strong pace attack for the team as they head to the World Cup.
