Former India batter, Aakash Chopra criticized the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for refusing to grant No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, and Fazalhaq Farooqi. The ACB’s decision to withhold NOCs for these Afghan players has raised concerns about their participation in the upcoming IPL season.
The players’ denial of NOCs originates from their request to be released from their annual central contracts. The ACB perceives this move as prioritizing personal interests over national duty. These players have actively participated in commercial cricket leagues, leading to their desire for release from central contracts. In response to these developments, the ACB has formed a dedicated committee to investigate the issue.
Speaking on Jio Cinema, Chopra expressed his disagreement with the ACB’s stance, emphasizing that the players’ recognition is not solely due to the board’s efforts but also because they participate in franchise cricket around the world.
“The irony lies in the absence of contracts and opportunities. These players gain recognition not due to the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s efforts but through their participation in franchise cricket across different countries. It’s a mistake to withhold NOCs from them for two years,” he said.
“The players have emphasized that their livelihood comes from playing outside Afghanistan. They’re told to put the country first, but it’s hard to do that when they feel like nobody’s looking out for them. Consequently, this decision poses a significant challenge for three IPL franchises Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Securing replacements at the last minute could prove to be a daunting task,” he added.
With the IPL 2024 season scheduled to start in March, the uncertainty surrounding the Afghan players’ availability may pose challenges for their respective franchises.