Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq had an infamous fight during the IPL 2023 clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore in May. It was the same match in which Kohli also had a war of words with Gautam Gambhir.
Naveen was left out of Afghanistan’s Asia Cup 2023 squad, meaning the pair wouldn’t face off against each other on the international stage but the Lucknow Super Giants pacer has been called up for Afghanistan ICC ODI World Cup 2023 squad.
Afghanistan cricket board on Wednesday, September 13 unveiled their ODI World Cup squad, which included Naveen, whereas Gulbadin Naib Sharafudin Ashraf and Farid Malik were named as reserves. Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the side who are considered as the dark horses by many ahead of the World Cup.
ALSO READ | Possibilities of First-ever IND vs PAK Asia Cup Final: Here’s How Pakistan Can Qualify
While the Afghans bowed out of the Asia Cup 2023 in the group stage itself, their early exit seems to have forced the board to include Naveen in their World Cup plans.
World Cup Bound AfghanAtalan SquadPresenting before you the AfghanAtalan squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. #AfghanAtalan | #CWC23 | #WarzaMaidanGata pic.twitter.com/r0SGg3KV8v
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 13, 2023
India will face off against Afghanistan on 11 October at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, a venue which is close to Kohli’s heart. For the first time since their IPL faceoff, Kohli and Naveen will come face to face and fans are already thriller for their epic reunion.
Here’s how fans reacted to the news:
Mango festival loading in world cup #CWC2023 pic.twitter.com/jYXgP2rMQL— Rajabets (@smileagainraja) September 13, 2023
Ind vs Afg in Delhi and Virat Kohli smashing Naveen Lodu from Virat Kohli Pavillion. https://t.co/CDKlMeHejr pic.twitter.com/YWA9LZKTJl— Mohit (@CricketHolik) September 13, 2023
Naveen Ul-Haq has been added to Afghanistan’s World Cup squad!Kohli vs Naveen Maza ayega #ViratKohli #ICCWorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/lCocweTwP8
— pxd (@impzd2) September 13, 2023
It’s going to be Naveen Ul Haq vs Virat Kohli Round 2 in the World Cup #CWC23 #AsiaCup2023— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) September 13, 2023
Naveen Ul Haq included in Afghanistans WC Squad.Some masala added to India vs Afghanistan game #ViratKohli #Naveenulhaq pic.twitter.com/I2lOpUQZnM— CricketPinocchio (@Mr_Pokynose) September 13, 2023
Naveen is Back in Afghanistan’s ODI squad for World Cup. Get ready for India vs Afghanistan popcorn battle.#ICCWorldCup2023 #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/wYgHJT5qSL— Saad Chandna (@SaadChandna) September 13, 2023
ALSO READ| ICC: Ignoring Phishing Scams To Commissioning ‘Secret’ Reviews, Whose Money Is It Any Way?
Kohli, Gambhir and Naveen, all three were fined by BCCI for their ugly spat during the IPL 2023 clash. Many former cricketers had reacted to the fight, calling for severe punishment for the trio.
Even after their public spat, Naveen seemingly took digs at Virat on social media using ‘mangoes’ reference. Gambhir meanwhile was also taunted by fans with ‘Kohli Kohli’ chants at multiple venues, most recently during the Asia Cup 2023 as well, and the former Indian opener responded by showing them a middle finger.
Later the 2011 World Cup winner said that the fans were chanting anti-India slogans, however, it will be really interesting to see Virat faceoff against Naveen when India host Afghanistan in Delhi during the ODI World Cup 2023.
Comments
0 comment