IPL 2024: KKR, LSG, And SRH In Dillema After Afghanistan Cricket Sanctions Mujeeb ur Rahman, Naveen Ul Haq, And Fazalhaq Farooqi

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has penalized Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman for expressing their desire to reject the central contract. Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s participation in the upcoming 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains uncertain.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has chosen not to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to the trio for participation in overseas franchise-based leagues for the next two years. This decision follows the players’ decision to delay signing their 2024 annual central contracts.

Prioritizing Their Interests Over Playing For Afghanistan – ACB

The ACB emphasized that the trio’s reluctance to sign central contracts and their inclination towards commercial leagues prompted these disciplinary measures.

“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. By opting for their release, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to take disciplinary measures against these players,” the board statement added.

Necessity For Every Player To Maintain The ACB’s Principles – ACB

The sanctions were imposed following a comprehensive investigation by a committee appointed by the board, prioritizing the country’s interests over personal considerations.

“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 prioritise the country’s interests above their personal ones,” the statement further said.

Afghanistan Players’s Record In Indian Premier League

Kolkata Knight Riders acquired Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman for Rs 2 crore in the IPL mini-auction, marking his return to the tournament after a three-year absence. The mystery spinner is currently representing the Melbourne Renegades in the BBL 2023-24.

Naveen-ul-Haq was acquired by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the IPL 2023, where he delivered notable performances with 11 wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 7.82. The right-arm pacer was retained by the franchise for the upcoming IPL season.

Fazalhaq Farooqi secured retention by SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the auction, having been initially signed by the franchise for Rs 50 lakh. Farooqi, who has played two seasons for SRH, picked up six wickets from seven matches with an economy rate of 8.96.

The Trio Featured For Afghanistan In World Cup 2023

Afghanistan surpassed expectations with their performances in the ODI World Cup 2023. They were in semifinal contention at one stage but finished in sixth place. They secured wins against England and Pakistan and came close to defeating Australia and South Africa.

Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are part of Afghanistan’s World Cup campaign. Naveen picked up eight wickets with an average of 44 and an economy rate of 6.56. Notably, Naveen announced his ODI retirement following the ICC tournament.

Mujeeb failed to live up to expectations in the tournament, securing eight scalps in nine matches at an average of 57.25 and an economy rate of 5.60. Farooqi took six wickets in six games, with his best bowling figures being 4/34 in the marquee tournament.

Also read: “IPL Has Played A Big Role In Rashid Khan And Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s Careers” – Asghar Afghan