ACB Recommends Withholding NOCs for Mujeeb, Fazal, and Naveen

ACB Unlikely to Grant NOC to Mujeeb, Fazal, and Naveen

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) special committee has recommended that the board should not issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen ul Haq for the next two years. This decision comes after the three players expressed their intention to be released from their annual central contracts.

Mujeeb has been signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders, while Fazalhaq and Naveen are expected to play for the Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Lucknow Super Giants, respectively, in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

In addition to not granting NOCs, the ACB has also decided to delay the 2024 annual central contracts for Mujeeb, Fazalhaq, and Naveen. This action was taken based on the recommendation of the special committee, as the players were found to be involved in commercial leagues that prioritized their personal interests over playing for Afghanistan.

According to an official statement from the ACB on Monday, a committee member quoted, "The three players formally communicated their decision to the ACB, expressing their desire to release themselves from the annual central contract, starting from 1st January 2024, as well as requested to consider their consent for their participation in the national events."

The special committee presented the following recommendations to the ACB's top management:

1. Not Awarding Central Contracts: The players will be ineligible for central contracts for one year starting from January 1, 2024. Their participation in events will be considered and decided by the ACB when needed.

2. Delay in Granting NOCs: The players will be considered non-eligible to obtain NOCs for two years. All currently issued NOCs will be immediately revoked.

3. Transparent Communication: ACB will transparently communicate its stance to the cricketing community, including the International Cricket Council (ICC), Asian Cricket Council (ACC), member countries/cricket boards, and the Afghan public.

The decision made by the Afghanistan Cricket Board reflects a focus on national priorities, aligned with the board's core values and principles. It emphasizes the importance of every player upholding the ACB's principles and prioritizing the country's interests over their personal aspirations.