Yorkshire Sign Afghan T20 Specialist Naveen Ul-Haq for 2026 Blast Campaign

Yorkshire County Cricket Club have made a significant addition to their T20 Blast squad by signing Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen Ul-Haq as their overseas player for the 2026 campaign. The 26-year-old becomes the first Afghan cricketer to represent the historic county.

A Proven T20 Specialist

Naveen Ul-Haq arrives at Headingley with an impressive pedigree in short-format cricket. The Afghan seamer has accumulated 271 wickets across 223 T20 matches throughout his career, boasting career-best figures of 5-11. His credentials in franchise cricket are well-established, having featured in prestigious tournaments including the Indian Premier League, Pakistan Super League, and SA20.

Blast Success with Leicestershire

Yorkshire fans will be well aware of Ul-Haq's capabilities, having witnessed his performances in English conditions during his three-season stint with Leicestershire. The right-arm quick made a remarkable impact with the Foxes, finishing as the T20 Blast's leading wicket-taker in 2021 with 26 scalps. He followed that up by claiming the second-highest wicket tally the following season, cementing his reputation as one of the competition's most dangerous bowlers.

Player's Perspective

Expressing his delight at joining Yorkshire, Ul-Haq said:

"It's a real honour to sign with Yorkshire, a club with a very proud history. I'm very excited to play in front of the Yorkshire public at Headingley and contribute to a strong campaign in the 2026 Blast. I'm looking forward to working with the players and coaches and hopefully bringing some success."

Club's Expectations

Gavin Hamilton, Yorkshire's general manager of cricket, highlighted the value Ul-Haq brings to the squad:

"He has the ability to consistently make a significant impact on games and brings us exceptional quality and T20 experience for someone who is still young."

Looking Ahead

At just 26 years of age, Ul-Haq is entering his prime years as a fast bowler. His extensive experience across multiple T20 leagues worldwide, combined with his proven track record in English conditions, makes him a shrewd acquisition for Yorkshire. The county will be hoping his wicket-taking prowess can propel them to success in the 2026 T20 Blast, with Headingley crowds set to witness the talents of Afghanistan's premier white-ball bowler.