Picture Credit: X
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Monday, 8th January confirmed the lifting of imposed sanctions on the Afghan trio of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq following a thorough investigation. The ACB had revoked the trio’s request to play franchise leagues, further withholding their Non-Objection Certificates (NOCs).
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The Afghan trio had further in December 2023 informed the board of their intention to be released from the central contracts, with the board delaying their contracts and restricting their NOCs. However, this decision by the Afghanistan board comes with the new regulatory measures, including a final warning, a salary deduction and a better and strict evaluation in regard to NOC issuance.
“The ACB has modified the previously imposed sanctions on three national players which will allow them to receive central contracts and participate in franchise leagues while ensuring their full commitment to national duties and ACB’s interests,” the ACB captioned the post on X.
Mirwais Ashraf, the ACB Chairman in his official statement also expressed hope that the players will abide and remain committed to the national duties. “The players have undoubtedly contributed to the team’s success and have represented the nation to the best of their values. We hope that they avoid making similar inconveniences in the future as we expect them to represent the country in the best of the manners,” he said.
Furthermore, the Afghan trio is currently in India for a three-match T20I series, starting January 11th. While the first T20I will be played in Mohali, the second and third are scheduled to be played on January 14th and 17th in Indore and Bengaluru, respectively.