ACB imposes sanctions, delays central contracts for Mujeeb, Fazal, Naveen

Kabul (Afghanistan), December 26: Escalating the club versus country debate, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has decided to defer the 2024 annual central contracts of national players Mujeeb ur Rehman, Fazal Haq Farooqui and Naveen ul Haq due to their preference. Option selected. of franchise leagues over national duties.

These players chose not to sign central contracts, citing their involvement in commercial leagues and emphasizing personal interests rather than representing Afghanistan – a duty seen as a national responsibility.

In response, the ACB has decided to stop the No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is a required document for players aiming to participate in overseas leagues like the Indian Premier League, for the next two years.

The decision to ban the three players has been taken after a committee recommended disciplinary measures against them.

The committee advised ACB not to give central contracts to these players from January 1, 2024, due to which they will be ineligible for one year. ACB will assess and decide on their participation in events if necessary.

Furthermore, the ACB was directed to delay granting NOCs to three players for participating in foreign leagues and render them ineligible for NOCs for two years. The decision includes immediate cancellation of all existing NOCs.

The ACB is also obliged to transparently communicate its position to the cricket community, including the ICC, ACC, member countries/cricket boards and the Afghan public.

This decision underlines ACB’s commitment to national priorities, in line with its core values and principles. It emphasizes the importance of players adhering to these principles and keeping the interests of the country above personal interests.