The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has modified the sanctions imposed on Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen Ul Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi, three of the most important players in the current squad. This came after reported considerations among board officials who were willing to give the players another chance after a final warning.
The trio were fined and given final warnings. After evaluating the players’ initial stance in light of recent events and recognizing the importance of their presence in the national team, the assigned committee communicated its final recommendations to the board of directors.
Last month, the three national players expressed their unwillingness to sign domestic contracts, in response to which the ACB had revoked their NOCs to participate in foreign T20 cricket leagues. . According to the ACB, the three players were not interested in signing the central contract and “prioritised their interests over playing for Afghanistan, which is considered a national responsibility.”
In response, the ACB listed some guidelines which are now mandatory for national team cricketers. This will make them choose international cricket over anything else. While it was decided that players will no longer be eligible to obtain NOCs for two years, all current NOCs will be revoked immediately.
Now the board has decided to ease the sanctions on the national players after they approached and spoke to them about the possibility of representing the national team in the future. Naveen and Farooqi played the T20I series against the UAE and were retained in the squad for the India T20I series. Mujeeb opted out of the T20I series to play in the BBL.
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Following a “hardcore approach” by the trio to represent the Afghanistan team, an assigned committee carried out a “thorough investigation” and arrived at three vital points which were the conclusions of the discussion. The players were given a final written warning including salary deductions and told they will be assigned NOCs and that national duty will take priority. The key takeaways are listed in the points mentioned below.
Afghanistan Cricket Board conditions for Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen Ul-Haq
Final warning and salary deduction: Each player will receive a final written warning and will face a specific salary deduction from their monthly earnings and/or match fees.Limited NOCs: The ACB will strictly consider the issuance of NOCs to respected players, prioritizing national duty and the interests of the ACB.Central Contract: The ACB may award central contracts to these players while strictly monitoring their performance and discipline in the events.
Mirwais Ashraf, president of the ACB, said that all three players are valuable to the national team and their recent contribution to the success of the national team has been taken into account.
“Without a doubt, the players have contributed to the team’s success and have represented the nation with the best of their values. We hope that they avoid similar inconveniences in the future as we hope that they represent the country in the best manner,” said ACB president Mirwais Ashraf.
He further said that the national team’s board and playing rules are above the personal interest of the players and that national team players are not expected to break the guidelines.
“The ACB and the rules are above all of us and it is important to comply with the rules because there are no exceptions for anyone in this regard. However, cases of similar nature would be dealt with more strictly as we prioritize the prestige of Afghanistan Cricket and the organisation.” He added.
Naveen-Ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi are part of the Afghanistan T20I squad named for the T20I series against India. The T20I series begins with the first T20I in Mohali on January 11.
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