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Yorkshire sign their first-ever Afghan player: Details here
20 Jan 2026

Yorkshire County Cricket Club has signed Afghanistan's fast bowler, Naveen-ul-Haq, for the 2026 T20 Blast.

The 26-year-old, a seasoned T20 player, has previously played in the competition with Leicestershire.

During his three-season stint with Leicestershire, Naveen was the leading wicket-taker in the 2021 tournament with 26 wickets and finished second in the following season.

Notably, Yorkshire have signed their first-ever Afghan player.

Ul-Haq expresses excitement over joining Yorkshire
New chapter

Naveen, who will become the first Afghan player to represent Yorkshire, expressed his excitement about joining the club.

"It's a real honor to sign with Yorkshire, a club with a very proud history," he said.

The fast bowler also looked forward to playing in front of the Yorkshire public at Headingley and contributing to a strong campaign in the 2026 Blast.

His impressive T20 stats
Performance record

Naveen has been a prolific wicket-taker in T20 cricket. In 223 matches, he has taken 271 wickets at an average of 24.11. His career-best figures stand at an impressive 5/11, his only fifer in the format.

Despite his injuries, Naveen has been a wicket-taker for Afghanistan in T20I cricket. He is the highest wicket-taker for them among pacers in the format.

In 48 T20Is, the right-arm seamer has taken 67 wickets at an average of 18.73.

Naveen ruled out of T20 World Cup
Fact

In a blow to Afghanistan, Naveen was recently ruled out of the three-match T20I series against West Indies and the following ICC T20 World Cup next month. The decision came owing to his subsequent surgery.