BBL 2023-24: Mujeeb Ur Rahman's BBL Stint Abruptly Ends As Afghanistan Cricket Board Revokes NOC

Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s stint with the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 has come to an end. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) decided to revoke Mujeeb Ur Rahman‘s No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the remainder of the BBL.

Mujeeb-ur-Rahman was not included in the Melbourne Renegades’ squad during their recent eight-wicket defeat to the Melbourne Stars on Tuesday, January 2. The decision to exclude the mystery spinner was based on the Afghan board’s decision not to issue NOCs.

Mujeeb, along with pacers Naveen-Ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi, faced penalties from the board for expressing their desire to be excluded from the central contract list. The board penalized the trio by imposing a two-year ban on their participation in any franchise leagues.

Naveen and Farooqi were selected for the ongoing T20I series against the UAE. In contrast, Mujeeb did not join the Afghanistan squad. Despite the ACB announcing the penalties on December 25, Mujeeb continued to participate in the BBL for a couple more matches.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman Flew Home – A Renegades Spokesperson

With uncertainty surrounding the status of existing NOCs, Mujeeb’s stint with the Melbourne Renegades in BBL13 concluded earlier than anticipated. A Renegades spokesperson confirmed that Mujeeb has flown back home.

“Mujeeb’s time with the Melbourne Renegades in BBL13 has unfortunately come to an end. Due to a recent change in his NOC, his tournament ended earlier than anticipated and he flew home this evening,” a Renegades spokesperson confirmed to ESPNcricinfo.

In April 2022, the International Cricket Council (ICC) clarified that all players must obtain NOCs from their respective member boards to participate in domestic matches abroad, irrespective of their contractual relationship with the board or their retirement from the game.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman has stood out as a prominent performer for the struggling Melbourne Renegades in the ongoing BBL season. The 22-year-old spinner currently shares the sixth position in the leading wicket-takers list, claiming seven wickets in six matches.

The Melbourne Renegades endured five losses and a no-result in seven matches. They secured their lone victory against the Adelaide Strikers. The Renegades find themselves at the bottom of the table, with only three points to their name and a net run rate (NRR) of -0.505.

Naveen, Fazalhaq And Mujeeb Set To Participate In IPL 2024

All three players, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, are set to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Mujeeb was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for his base price, making a return after a three-year absence.

Also read: BBL 2023-24: Melbourne Renegades Remove Mujeeb Ur Rahman From Squad After His NOC Dispute With ACB