The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has decided to delay the annual contracts of Afghan cricketers Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen Ul Haq. Additionally, the players have had their permission to play franchise cricket revoked by the ACB. This action was taken as a response to the players’ request to be released from central contracts and granted permission to participate in overseas leagues, emphasizing the increasing influence of franchise cricket in the cricketing landscape.
The ACB stated that the players opted not to sign their central contracts, prioritizing personal interests over the national responsibility of playing for Afghanistan. As a consequence, the board has decided to delay their contracts, and no no-objection certificates (NOCs) will be granted for them to participate in foreign leagues over the next two years.
The statement from the Afghanistan Cricket Board underscored the importance of players aligning with the ACB’s principles and prioritizing the interests of the country above personal ones. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, currently playing for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League, was recently picked by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. Similarly, fast bowlers Naveen and Farooqi also hold contracts with IPL franchises.
