Virat Kohli effect? Fans in Frenzy as Naveen-ul-Haq announces shock ODI retirement ahead of WC

Afghanistan’s star pacer, Naveen-ul-Haq, made a shocking announcement on Wednesday, stating that he will no longer participate in the 50-over format of cricket after the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, which is scheduled to start on October 5 in India. However, the 24-year-old cricketer, who represents Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, will continue to represent his national team in T20 Internationals.

“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-ul-Haq wrote on Instagram.

Earlier this year, Naveen-ul-Haq found himself in the midst of controversy after engaging in a heated argument and posting cryptic messages on social media involving Virat Kohli during the IPL 2023. Since then, he has gained a significant amount of fame in India, but mostly in a negative way. Netizens are even speculating that this controversy might have influenced his decision to retire from ODIs.

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Fans’ reactions as Naveen-ul-Haq announces retirement from ODIs

In his international cricket career, Naveen-ul-Haq has played in seven ODIs, where he has taken 14 wickets at an average of 25.42. His most recent appearance in a 50-over match for Afghanistan was in January 2021 when they faced Ireland in Abu Dhabi. Naveen made his debut in this format against Bangladesh in September 2016. Notably, his T20I statistics are also quite impressive, with 34 wickets to his name in 27 matches, averaging at 20.70.

Afghanistan World Cup Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Riaz Hassan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil,Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Abdul Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-Ul-Haq

Reserves: Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fareed Ahmad.

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