The participation of Afghanistan players Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the forthcoming 2024 season of the Indian Premier League is in doubt.
As a disciplinary step, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided not to award the aforementioned names a No Objection Certificate for international franchise-based competitions for the next two years. After the trio planned to be liberated from the central contract, the move was taken.
The Kolkata Knight Riders signed Mujeeb Ur Rahman at the IPL 2024 auction
At the recently ended Indian Premier League mini-auction, Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a base fee of 2 crore. The deft bowler was set to return to the IPL after a three-year absence. However, it remains to be seen whether the ACB would award him a NOC for the competition.
In contrast, Naveen-ul-Haq was sold to the Lucknow Super Giants before the IPL 2023. The right-arm bowler took 11 wickets in eight innings at a 7.82 economy rate. He was signed by the franchise before the IPL 2024 mini-auction.
SunRisers Hyderabad also retained Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman ahead of the mini-auction. The left-arm seamer was signed by SRH for 50 lakh and has played two seasons for them. He has six wickets in seven games with an economy rate of 8.96.
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All three players, according to ACB, were unwilling to sign central contracts
According to the ACB, the three players were hesitant to sign the central contract because they ‘prioritized their interests over playing for Afghanistan, which is viewed as a national obligation.’
The ACB formed a committee to properly investigate the situation, and the committee recommended that the three players be barred from competing for the central contract for one year, commencing January 1, 2024. The committee said that in this scenario, ACB would review and decide on their participation in events as needed.
While it was determined that players would no longer be eligible for NOCs for two years, all present NOCs would be removed immediately.
According to a committee member, all three players formally informed the ACB of their choice
The three players formally communicated their decision to the ACB, expressing their desire to be released from the annual central contract beginning January 1, 2024, as well as requesting that their consent for their participation in national events be considered, according to a committee member, adding that the Board has communicated its stance to all stakeholders – the ICC, ACC, and member nations.
The IPL is set to begin on March 22 of next year. And it remains to be seen if the ACB adheres to its judgment or caves in and allows the players to participate in the league. Before the IPL, India and Afghanistan will play a three-match Twenty20 International series commencing January 11.