Hampshire confirm bowler signature for Vitality Blast
By Connor Steel
HAMPSHIRE HAWKS have announced they have formally secured the signature of Afghanistan ‘international’ Naveen-ul-Haq for their upcoming 2024 Vitality Blast campaign; the medium fast bowler due to feature in this team’s concluding six group games and knockout rounds after departing rivals Leicestershire Foxes at the end of last year’s competitions.
The 24-year-old has become a Twenty-20 (T20) format specialist since making his debut back in 2016, taking sixty-two wickets for his ‘native’ Afghanistan across One Day Internationals and T20s so far. He is further likely to be selected for Afghanistan’s squad that features in June’s ‘T20I World Cup’ which is taking place across the West Indies and America.
Naveen is viewed as a popular asset in numerous franchise leagues worldwide with his appearances across the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), the SA20, and others. He further joined the Leicestershire Foxes in 2021 and has amassed a tally of 54 wickets in thirty-three games; including “5-for-11” versus Worcestershire Rapids.
He was excited to be joining the set-up in Southampton and stated: “I’m excited to be joining Hampshire Hawks for the second leg of the Vitality Blast this year. Hopefully I can help the team to repeat their success of 2022 and win another T20 trophy for the Club.” A full quote from the Director of Cricket Carl White can be read by clicking via this online link.
Naveen’s first appearance for the Hawks could be against Middlesex at ‘Raglett’ on July 6, whilst his ‘home debut’ may be their match against Gloucestershire at the ‘Utitita Bowl’ (new stadium name) six days later. Fans are urged to check the Hampshire Cricket website for more information about tickets, fixtures, news, and future club membership updates.
PICTURED BY ALAMY (2T5Y59E): Bowler celebrates taking wicket for Afghanistan during World Cup versus Australia.
