These three players will be eligible to receive central contracts and play in franchise leagues around the world after ACB modified its sanctions against the trio on Monday.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has modified the previously imposed sanctions on three national players—Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, and Naveen Ul Haq—following a thorough investigation. The modified sanctions will now allow these players to receive central contracts and participate in franchise leagues while ensuring their full commitment to national duties and ACB’s interests
Upon the players’ unconditional approach to the ACB and expressing a strong desire to represent the country again, the ACB initiated a comprehensive investigation. After evaluating the players’ initial stance in light of recent developments and acknowledging the importance of their presence in the national team, the assigned committee communicated its final recommendations to the board.
Early last month, the three players informed the board of their desire to be released from their main contracts, after which the ACB postponed their annual contract renewal until 2024 and decided not to grant them the NOC (No Objection Certificate) required to play for the franchise cricket is compulsory for two years.
Although the ACB lifted the sanctions against the players, it also imposed a series of restrictions, including a final written warning, salary reduction, issuance of a NOC with priority given to national assignments, and the awarding of central contracts under the strict supervision of the players monitoring their 'performance and discipline at events'.
The players have undoubtedly contributed to the team’s success and have represented the nation to the best of their values. We hope that they avoid causing similar inconveniences in the future as we expect them to represent the country in the best of manners. The ACB and the rules are above all of us and it’s important to adhere to the regulations because there are no exceptions for anyone in this regard. However, such cases of a similar nature would be dealt with more strictly as we prioritize the prestige of the Afghanistan Cricket and the organization.
All three players are also included in the maiden tour of India, which will commence on Thursday.
AFG Squad-
Ibrahim Zadran (c), Hazratullah Zazai, Najibullah Zadran, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmat Shah, Karim Janat, Mohammad Saleem, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Qais Ahmad, Naveen-ul-haq, Fareed Ahmad, and Noor Ahmad.
Mujeeb was bought by KKR for Rs. 2 crore at the IPL 2024 auction, while Naveen and Farooqi were retained by Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad, respectively.
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