Sports

Afghanistan Cricket Board modifies sanctions against three national players

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has revised sanctions against three national players — Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, and Naveen Ul Haq — following an investigation.

The amended sanctions permit the players to receive central contracts and participate in franchise leagues, provided they commit fully to national duties and the ACB’s interests.

The review began after the players approached the ACB, expressing their desire to represent Afghanistan again. The ACB’s investigation considered the players’ initial stance and their importance to the national team. The committee then presented its recommendations to the board.

The revised sanctions include:

Final Warning and Salary Deduction: Players will receive a final written warning and a specific salary deduction from their monthly earnings and/or match fees.

Limited NOCs: The ACB will issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to the players, prioritizing national duty and the board’s interests.

Central Contract: The ACB may award central contracts to these players, with strict monitoring of their performance and discipline.

Mirwais Ashraf, ACB Chairman, emphasized the players’ valuable contributions to the team. He expressed hope for their continued commitment and dedication to Afghanistan’s success.

“The players have significantly contributed to the team and represented the nation well,” Ashraf said. “We expect them to maintain this standard and avoid future inconveniences.”

Ashraf also stressed the importance of adhering to ACB rules. “The ACB and its regulations are paramount,” he said. “We will handle similar cases more strictly in the future, prioritizing the prestige of Afghan cricket and the organization.”

In December, the players had requested release from their central contracts, leading the ACB to delay their 2024 contracts and withhold NOCs for two years.