Afghanistan ACP approves Mujeeb, Naveen, Farooqui who wanted to be released from Afghanistan National Accord

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has sanctioned Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen ul Haq for „prioritizing their personal interests over playing for Afghanistan”, a board statement said on Monday. So the board has delayed their 2024 central contracts and no NOCs (No Objection Certificates) have been declared for the trio for the next two years, including withdrawal of any NOCs they currently hold.

According to an ACP report, the trio recently informed the board of their desire to be released from their annual central contracts from January 1, 2024, while seeking approval to play franchise matches.

„The insistence on not signing the central contract for these players is their involvement in the commercial league, prioritizing their personal interests over playing for Afghanistan, which is considered a national responsibility,” the board report added. „By choosing to release them, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to take disciplinary action against these players.”

The bans come after the board appointed a committee to „examine the matter thoroughly and make appropriate recommendations that will best serve the interests of ACP.”

„Afghanistan Cricket Board's decision has been taken keeping in mind the national priorities aligned with ACB's core values ​​and principles,” the statement added. „This highlights the need for every soldier to uphold the principles of the ACP and prioritize the interests of the country above their personal interests.”

Mujeeb was recently picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders for USD 241,000 in the IPL auction. He is currently in the BBL in Australia with the Melbourne Renegades. Naveen, who is with Lucknow Supergiant in the IPL, and Fazalhaq Farooqui, retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad, recently featured in the Abu Dhabi T10. The trio featured in Afghanistan's sixth ODI World Cup run.