World Cup 2023: Afghan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq gives update on retirement following win against Pakistan

Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has insisted that the recent string of high-profile victories against top-ranked teams in the World Cup will not impact his decision to retire from ODI cricket.

Speaking to reporters after Afghanistan demolished arch-rivals Pakistan, Naveen said it was his final decision and that his career post the World Cup will liein the T20 format.

"No, no, no. Not at all. That's my final decision I've made," said Naveen, adding:"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."

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The right-arm pacer, surprising the cricketing world, announced days before the start of the World Cup that he will be retiring following the conclusion of the quadrennial event.Naveen said the decision wasn’t an easy one but one he had to take to prolong his playing career.

"It has been an absolute honour to represent my country, and I would like to announce my retirement from the ODI format at the end of this World Cup and will continue to wear this blue jersey in T20 cricket for my country," Naveen wrote in his post.

Naveen's final hurrah has been nothing short of a fairytale journey so far. The giant-killing Afghans have thrashed defending champions England and now Pakistan. Naveen dedicated the win to fans and hoped that it would bring joy and solace to them.

"Itdoes mean a lot to the people of our country back home.As you know, the situation back home…The earthquake also hit [in Herat] a few days ago. So, there's not a lot of happiness in the country without cricket. So, at least we've given them some moments of happiness tonight," he said.

After the win, Afghanistan have climbed to the sixth spot in the points table and have a realistic chance of making it to the semifinals if other results turned in their favour.

(With inputs from agencies)

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