Naveen-ul-Haq is adamant that he would not continue playing ODI cricket beyond the ongoing World Cup despite Afghanistan’s sensational showing in the tournament in India. The 24-year-old pacer announced he would retire from the 50-over format of the game, joining a bandwagon of modern-day cricketers who are opting out of the longest white-ball format in order to prolong their T20 career.
Naveen-ul-Haq said on Monday that his decision about ODI retirement was final while acknowledging the impact the World Cup triumphs over Pakistan and England would have on Afghanistan’s ODI story in the future.
Afghanistan have made the world sit up and take notice with their showing in the ongoing World Cup in India. Having entered the tournament with only one win across two editions of the 50-over showpiece event – a win over Scotland in 2015 – Afghanistan have had a pleasantly surprising run. They have become giant killers as they stunned the defending champions in England last week before beating Pakistan comfortably in Chennai on Monday.
Naveen-ul-Haq, who was brought back to the Afghanistan ODI squad just before the World Cup, played a key role in their win over England, bowling that dream in decker to Jos Buttler that triggered the batting collapse of the 2019 champions as they failed to chase 285. Naveen chipped in with 2 wickets against Pakistan as Afghanistan came up with an all-round show.
“No, no, no. Not at all. That’s the final decision I’ve made. Luckily, I will remember this World Cup for the rest of my life – beating Pakistan and beating England. I’m hoping for the best in the upcoming games,” Naveen said at the mixed zone in Chennai, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
