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Afghanistan players Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq’s participation in the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) under cloud have come as a big news after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) denied No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The decision by the board comes in wake of the players’ wish to be released from their annual central contracts.
However, the ACB is taking steps in this matter as the players are prioritizing personal interests over national commitments. Speaking of these three players, who have been featuring in T20 leagues across, namely the IPL, Big Bash League and others. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has also decided to delay their annual contracts on the recommendations of the committee assigned to investigate the matter.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has decided to delay the 2024 annual central contracts for national players, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, and Naveen Ul Haq Mureed. Additionally, the Board has opted not to grant them No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the next two years following their intention to be released from their annual central contract,” the board said in a statement.
“The insistence on not signing the central contract for these players was their involvement in commercial leagues, prioritizing their personal interests over playing for Afghanistan, which is regarded as a national responsibility. By opting for their own release, the ACB ha decided to take disciplinary measures against these players,” the statement further read.
While Lucknow Super Giants retained Naveen-ul-Haq and Sunrisers Hyderabad retained Fazalhaq Farooqi, the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders bought Mujeeb Ur Rahman for his base price of INR 2 Crore at the IPL 2024 mini-auction.