The Afghanistan Cricket Board has sanctioned Naveen Ul Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi for giving importance to their personal interests over representing Afghanistan. Their 2024 annual central contracts have been delayed and they have been banned from taking part in any T20 league for the next two years, including the termination of any NOC they possess for competing in the tournaments.
According to the ACB statement, the trio refused to sign the new contracts starting from January 1 2024 and also requested the board for NOCS to play in franchise leagues.
“The wanted to play in franchise tournaments and were not ready to sign the central contracts. They were preferring their commercial interests over playing for country. By opting to get release, they have forced the Afghanistan Cricket Board to take action against them.”
The sanctions come after a committee investigated the matter and found them guilty.
“The decision was made keeping in mind the national priorities and the values of the Afghanistan Cricket Board,” the statement further said. “It is mandatory for any player to follow the principles of the national cricket board and prioritise playing for country over their personal interest.”
Mujeeb was recently bought by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024 auction for USD 241,000. He is currently playing for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League 2023-24. Naveen is a part of the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, and Fazalhaq Farooqi was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad. All three also featured for Afghanistan in the ICC World Cup 2023 in India.