Afghanistan’s young fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has made a name for himself in the T20 circuit with impressive performances in various leagues across the globe. The 22-year old draws inspiration from India’s Jasprit Bumrah, who’s arguably the best pacer going around.
Bumrah is the only reliable all-phase bowler in the T20 arena and has a magnificent record in other two formats as well. Speaking to News 9, Naveen-ul-Haq expressed his admiration for the Indian pacer and said he would be satisfied if he can do half as good as Bumrah has over the years.
“I admire him as a bowler. The way he carries himself even in the toughest of situations is a great example to learn from. I will be glad if I even become 50 per cent of the bowler he is. He is simply terrific.”
Naveen-ul-Haq was exceptional in the Vitality T20 Blast 2021, where he was the highest wicket-taker with 26 scalps at an average of 17.57. He also has had stints in CPL, BPL, LPL and T10 league in his short career.
In the 2021 T20 World Cup, Naveen-ul-Haq garnered quite an interest due to the striking similarity between his and Bumrah’s bowling action. The Afghan pacer was awestruck when he saw the comparison but added that the similarity in the load-up and hypertension is just a coincidence.
“Before this T20 World Cup, no one had pointed this out. You know the similar load-up or the hyperextension. It was during the match that I saw it on the big screen that our bowling action was being compared and I was like ‘wow!’, there is indeed some similarity.”
The Afghan pacer, however, did not have a great outing in the World Cup as he only managed to pick five wickets in five matches of Super 12s and leaked runs at over 9 runs per over.
Naveen-ul-Haq in his News 9 interview also admitted that his dream is to play in the Indian Premier League, which happens to be the best T20 tournament in the world.
So far three Afghanistan players – Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have featured in the cash-rich tournament.
