Afghanistan Cricket Board restricts three players from providing central contracts
Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has refused to provide their No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in franchise leagues across the world delaying their national contract to three cricketers. The names involved in it are Mujeeb ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi, The official confirmation came on Monday 25th December, when the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), revealed that they decided to take action against the trio after the players showed their desire to release themselves from the annual central contract.
The Board thinks that the player’s desire to release them from the central contract is in their interest and gives more importance to franchise cricket over the world over playing for their nation. They also have made an investigation committee to thoroughly check on the matter and take action against the listed players.
The Afghans are the most improved teams among the top 10 Test-playing nations. They performed exceptionally well in the ODI World Cup 2023 and were in contention for the knockout stages as they won four games in 9 matches. Skipper Hasmatullah Shahidi led the side beautifully in the mega event. They will be facing India in a 3-match T20I series ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.
Maintain the ACB’s principles and prioritize the country’s interests: Afghanistan Cricket Board
The committee presented the following recommendations to the ACB’s top management, “Not Awarding Central Contracts: Starting from January 1, 2024, the three players shall not be eligible for the central contract for one year. In this case, ACB will consider and decide their participation in events when needed. Delay Granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs): Consideration of these players as non-eligible to obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for two years. All current NOCs shall be revoked immediately.”
The ACB, in its statement, added, “The decision by the Afghanistan Cricket Board is made with a focus on national priorities, aligned with the ACB’s core values and principles. It highlights the necessity for every player to maintain the ACB’s principles and prioritize the country’s interests above their personal ones.”
