The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s Special Committee Advises Against NOCs for Mujeeb, Farooqi, and Naveen for Two Years Amid IPL 2024 Contracts.
In a recent development, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) special committee has recommended against granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen ul Haq for the next two years. This decision comes in response to the trio expressing their intention to be released from their annual central contracts.
“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,” the ACB said in a release.
While Mujeeb has already been signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders, Fazalhaq and Naveen are anticipated to play for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively, in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The ACB has further decided to postpone the issuance of the 2024 annual central contracts for these players, aligning with the special committee’s recommendation. The committee found that Mujeeb, Fazalhaq, and Naveen were engaging in commercial leagues, prioritizing personal interests over their commitment to playing for Afghanistan.
“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 release, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to take disciplinary measures against these players,” ACB said.
According to an official statement from the ACB on Monday, the three players formally communicated their decision to release themselves from the annual central contract, effective from January 1, 2024. They also requested the ACB to consider their consent for participation in national events.
“The three players formally communicated their decision to the ACB, expressing their desire to release themselves from the annual central contract, starting from 1st January 2024, as well as requested to consider their consent for their participation in the national events.”
ACB Committee’s Recommendations Emphasize National Priorities Over Personal Interests
The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s (ACB) top management recently received crucial recommendations from a committee concerning three players: Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Neveen ul Haq. The recommendations, aimed at aligning with national priorities and the core values of the ACB, were transparently presented for consideration:
1. Not Awarding Central Contracts: Effective January 1, 2024, the committee proposes that the three players be deemed ineligible for central contracts for a duration of one year. The ACB will then evaluate and decide their participation in events as needed.
2. Delay Granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs): The committee suggests considering these players as non-eligible to obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for a two-year period. Immediate revocation of all current NOCs is recommended.
3. Transparent Communication: The ACB is urged to transparently communicate its stance on this matter to the wider cricketing community, including the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Member Countries/Cricket Boards, and the Afghanistan Public.
This decision underscores the ACB’s commitment to upholding its principles and values, placing a clear emphasis on the importance of every player aligning with these principles. The recommendation seeks to prioritize the interests of the nation above individual considerations, reinforcing the need for players to maintain a balance that reflects the essence of the ACB’s principles.
