ACB places sanctions on Naveen-ul-Haq and 2 more players after they opt out of national duty for FRANCHISE cricket

The three players have had all of their NOCs revoked as they refused to sign central contracts to ensure their availability for T20 leagues.

ACB places sanctions on Naveen-ul-Haq and 2 more players after they opt out of national duty for FRANCHISE cricket

Naveen-ul-Haq has retired from ODIs (Image via ESPN)

With the rise of T20 leagues and the commercialization of the format, it is visible how young players are preferring to play in franchise leagues. With so many leagues available, players ditch their national matches to participate in T20 leagues. While it didn’t cause a problem for a long time, in 2023 there has been a huge shift. 

First it was Haris Rauf, who refused a call-up to the Pakistan Test team so that he could play in the Big Bash League (BBL). In response, the PCB delayed his NOC. Now the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has sanctioned three of their players for opting out of a national contract. The three players, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb ur Rahman and and Fazalhaq Farooqi, play in the IPL.

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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 contracts.
Afghanistan Cricket Board in their Statement

In a statement released by the ACB, they said they had revoked the NOC’s of the three players. Along with that they would not be given a central contract till the start of 2025, but will be considered for national games. 

 

What does this sanction mean for the three players? 

With the NOCs of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, and Naveen-ul-Haq now revoked, their chances of participating in any T20 League would be hard. The trio play in the IPL, with Naveen and Farooqi being retained while Mujeeb was purchased in the 2024 IPL Auction. 

Naveen ul Haq
Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Images via ESPNcricinfo)

With the trio having deals in various leagues, their participation is now doubtful. Afghanistan will be playing a T20I series against UAE, India and Sri Lanka in the month of January. After that they have a 3-match ODI series and a one-off Test with Sri Lanka. 

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