They are now eligible again for federal contracts, but also face financial penalties
ESPNcricinfo staff
Afghanistan's reunification of Fazalhaq Farooqui, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-Haq was almost complete after a brief period in which the team and the players did not see eye to eye.
Last month, the trio expressed their desire to be released from their central contracts so they could pursue other opportunities in the T20 franchise circuit, for which the Afghanistan Cricket Board revoked their current no-holds-barred certificates and further punished them. NOC for a period of two years.
After Farooqui, Mujeeb and Naveen approached the panel and expressed their „strong desire to represent the country again”, the ACB relaxed their initial stance following a „detailed enquiry”. Eliminating them to get T20 leagues and central contracts. All three have also been given a „final warning” and wage cuts from their monthly salary and/or competition fee.
Along with these details, the ACB press release said, „While strictly monitoring their performance and discipline at events, they may be awarded delayed central contracts when initial sanctions have been imposed.”
„We hope the players avoid such inconveniences in future as we expect them to represent the country in the best possible way.” ACB President Mirwaiz Ashraf said. „ACP and rules are above all of us and it is important to follow the rules as no one is exempt in this matter. However, such cases will be handled very strictly as we will give priority to honor. Afghanistan cricket and organization.”
The ACB's tough stance is in contrast to the approach of most national boards in recent years, with a majority rejecting central contracts but allowing their players flexibility to pursue lucrative deals in foreign leagues.
Farooqui and Naveen have been leading Afghanistan during the recent three-match T20I series against the UAE after „expressing a strong desire to represent the country” and both have been included in the squad that will travel to India for three T20Is. Mujeeb has also been included in the squad as he missed the UAE tour as he was in the BBL with the Melbourne Renegades at the time. It will be Mujeeb's first T20I in India since July 2023.