Afghanistan impose sanctions on Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman for prioritising franchise leagues
Afghanistan have always been a nation that has produced top-quality cricketers but they don’t often hog the limelight in international cricket. However, when it comes to domestic T20 leagues, they grab all the attention, courtesy of their spellbound performances.
Meanwhile, in the latest development, the Afghanistan trio namely Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi took a bold call by opting out of the central contract and asking for a No Objection Certificate in a bid to feature in the T20 leagues globally.
However, the trio’s decision backfired instantly as the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) imposed sanctions on them for the same. The board also released a statement adding that the players have been warned for prioritizing personal interests over playing for the nation.
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ACB warns Afghanistan trio for prioritising franchise leagues
The trio has been slapped with sanctions, which means that the bowling trio has been refused the NOC for taking part in the overseas leagues for the next two years. On top of that, all of their central contracts have been delayed as well. ACB revoked the trio’s present permission to play in the overseas leagues.
KKR bought Mujeeb for INR 2 crore whereas LSG and SRH retained Naveen Ul Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi respectively. As per the latest statement released by the board on Monday, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi had asked to be released from their central contracts starting January 1, 2024.
“The insistence on not signing the central contract for these players was their involvement in commercial leagues, prioritising their personal interests over playing for Afghanistan, which is regarded as a national responsibility. By opting for their release, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to take disciplinary measures against these players,” ACB mentioned in its release.
“The decision by the Afghanistan Cricket Board is made with a focus on national priorities, aligned with the ACB’s core values and principles. It highlights the necessity for every player to maintain the ACB’s principles and prioritise the country’s interests above their personal ones,” the statement further read.
