Afghanistan bowler Naveen Ul Haq announces shocking retirement from ODI cricket

ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 to be last assignment for Afghanistan star Naveen Ul Haq.

Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen ul Haq, took to Instagram this Wednesday to make a significant announcement. In his post, he revealed his decision to retire from the 50-over cricket format following the upcoming ODI World Cup, slated to commence on October 5th in India.

Despite this retirement from the longer format, the 24-year-old, who also plays for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will continue to be a vital part of his national team's lineup in T20 International matches.

So far, Naveen Ul Haq has participated in 7 One Day International (ODI) matches, where he managed to take 14 wickets with an average of 25.4. His most recent 50-over game for Afghanistan was in January 2021 when they faced Ireland in Abu Dhabi. He made his debut in this format way back in 2016 when Afghanistan played against Bangladesh.

Naveen, on Instagram, expressed gratitude for representing his country and announced his retirement from ODIs after the upcoming World Cup. He thanked Afghanistan Cricket Board and his fans for their support.

"It has been an absolute honour to represent my country would like to announce my retirement from ODI format at end of this World Cup and will continue to wear this blue jersey in t20 cricket for my country it hasn’t been an easy decision to make but to prolong my playing career had to take this tough decision would like to thank @afghanistancricketboard And all my fans for their support and unwavering love," Naveen wrote this on his instagram.

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Afghanistan's World Cup 2023 journey will kick off against Bangladesh on October 6 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.