Afghanistan trio sanctioned by ACB for prioritising franchise cricket over international matches

Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are ineligible for central contracts in 2024 and will be denied NOCs for franchise competitions for the next two years

Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi have been sanctioned by the Afghanistan Cricket Board for "prioritising their personal interests over playing for Afghanistan".

According to the ACB, the trio asked to be released from their annual central contracts as well as asking for consent to play in franchise tournaments.

All three players are now ineligible for a central contract in 2024 and will be prevented from obtaining NOCs (no-objection certificates) for the next two years. Any previously approved NOCs will also be revoked.

"The insistence on not signing the central contract for these players was their involvement in commercial leagues, prioritising their personal interests over playing for Afghanistan, which is regarded as a national responsibility," an ACB statement read.

^{Mujeeb is currently contracted to Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash [Paul Kane/Getty Images]}

^{All three players were involved in the 2023 Cricket World Cup [Money Sharma/Getty Images]}

"By opting for their release, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to take disciplinary measures against these players."

Pace bowler Naveen has earned 42 white-ball caps for Afghanistan since making his debut in 2016 while fellow quick Farooqi has played 27 ODIs and 24 T20Is.

Both players recently featured in the Abu Dhabi T10 League and have a number of franchise deals in their diaries for 2024, including representing Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad, respectively, in the IPL.  

Mujeeb, meanwhile, has 119 caps for Afghanistan in all formats, taking 158 wickets. The spin-bowling allrounder is currently in Australia representing Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash and is due to represent Gulf Giants (ILT20) and Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL) in the first half of next year.

In response to the sanctions, Melbourne Renegades said they are aware of the sanctions facing Mujeeb but expect him to be available for the remainder of his contract.

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