Afghanistan Cricket Board ban Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman from playing franchise cricket for 2 years

The participation of Afghanistan cricketers Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the upcoming 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) is facing uncertainty as the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has chosen not to grant them No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas franchise-based leagues for the next two years. This decision comes as a disciplinary measure in response to the trio expressing their intention to be released from their central contracts.

The ACB announced its sanctions, revealing that it would delay the annual central contracts for the mentioned players for the year 2024. Additionally, the board has decided not to provide them with NOCs for the next two years due to their expressed desire to be released from their contracts.

The players in question, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, have been reprimanded for prioritizing franchise-based leagues over national commitments. The ACB has taken serious action by not only delaying their central contracts but also forming a committee to investigate the matter further. Moreover, the trio will lose their central contracts for one year as part of the disciplinary measures imposed by the board.

No Mujeeb, Naveen-ul-Haq in IPL 2024?

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who was recently signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders at the IPL 2024 auction for his base price of ₹2 crore, is now uncertain about his IPL participation as the ACB’s decision on granting him an NOC remains pending.

Naveen-ul-Haq, who was previously picked up by the Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2023 and subsequently retained by the franchise, now faces uncertainty about his IPL future. Fazalhaq Farooqi, retained by SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the IPL 2024 mini-auction, is also in a similar predicament.

The ACB’s firm stance reflects their commitment to upholding national commitments over individual player preferences for franchise-based leagues. The disciplinary measures underscore the importance the board places on players honoring their central contracts and prioritizing national duties. The unfolding developments add an element of suspense regarding the IPL participation of these Afghan cricketers in the upcoming season.

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