The future of Afghanistan players Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen-ul-Haq in the Indian Premier League is uncertain as the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has refused to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the next two years.
The denial stems from the players’ request to be released from their annual central contracts, a move perceived by the ACB as prioritizing personal interests over national duty. The players’ engagement in commercial cricket leagues has fueled their desire for contract release.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has cited the need for “disciplinary action” as the reason behind its decisions regarding the players. As the 2024 IPL season is set to commence in March, uncertainties loom over the participation of the three Afghan players.
In the IPL 2024 auction, Kolkata Knight Riders acquired Mujeeb for Rs 2 crore, while Lucknow Super Giants and SunRisers Hyderabad retained Naveen and Fazalhaq, respectively.
A committee member of the ACB has verified that the three players, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen-ul-Haq, formally requested release from their central contract to participate in privately-run cricket leagues. Notably, this move aligns with a trend observed among cricket stars like Trent Boult and Faf du Plessis, who have opted out of central contracts in favor of franchise cricket.
“The trio communicated their decision to the ACB, expressing the desire to terminate their annual central contract from January 1, 2024, and sought approval for participation in national events,” stated the committee member. In response, the ACB has established a dedicated committee to thoroughly investigate the matter, formulate appropriate recommendations, and convey them to the top management.
The Board’s decision to defer the 2024 contracts and withhold NOCs for two years underscores the serious consequences faced by players prioritizing personal interests over national representation.