The Afghanistan Cricket Board on Monday, January 8 confirmed that they modified sanctions on 3 players – Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi over their struck-down request to be released from central contracts. The ACB said it was giving the 3 players a “Final Warning” with a “salary deduction” and that they would be given central contracts.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board also promised “limited NOCs” to the three players to feature in overseas T20 leagues, subject to their commitment to national duty.

Notably, Mujeeb Ur Rahman was withdrawn from the Melbourne Renegades squad by the Big Bash League franchise earlier in the month after the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s sanction. Mujeeb played 6 matches for the Renegades in the BBL 13 season before the sanction came into effect on January 1.

In December 2023, Mujeeb Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen-ul-Haq informed the ACB of their intention to be released from the central contracts. The ACB responded by delaying their 2024 annual central contracts and opted not to grant them NOCs to play overseas cricket leagues for 2 years.

Upon the players’ unconditional approach to the ACB and expressing a strong desire to represent the country again, the ACB initiated a comprehensive investigation. After evaluating the players’ initial stance in light of recent developments and acknowledging the importance of their presence in the national team, the assigned committee communicated its final recommendations to the board.

Naveen and Fazalhaq were part of Afghanistan’s T20I series in the UAE, but Mujeeb did not take part in the series.

“The modified recommendations state the following course of regulatory measures that are proportionate, effective & feasible and shall supersede the previous measures imposed on the players concerning the same issue,” ACB said in a statement.

1. Final Warning and Salary Deduction: Each player shall receive a final written warning and face a specific salary deduction from their monthly earnings and/or match fees.
2. Limited NOCs: ACB will strictly consider the issuance of the NOCs to the respected players while prioritizing the national duty and ACB’s interests.
3. Central Contract: ACB may grant central contracts to these players while strictly monitoring their performance and discipline in events.

The modified sanctions also end the speculation over Mujeeb, Naveen and Fazalhaq’s participation in the IPL. Notably, the three players were named in Afghanistan’s T20I squad for the upcoming 3-match series against India, starting January 11.