The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has opted to delay the annual contracts of three prominent players—Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen Ul Haq. Additionally, the ACB has revoked permission for these players to participate in franchise cricket, emphasizing their failure to uphold “national responsibility” over personal interests.
The players had formally requested release from their central contracts and sought permission to engage in international leagues, indicative of the increasing allure of franchise cricket in the global cricketing landscape. However, their decision to prioritize personal interests prompted the ACB to take stringent action, aligning with the board’s core values.
According to the ACB’s statement on Monday, the trio’s refusal to sign central contracts was perceived as a departure from their national duty to represent Afghanistan. The board, in response, has not only deferred their contracts but has also withheld the issuance of no-objection certificates, essential for participating in overseas leagues, for the next two years.
“The decision by the Afghanistan Cricket Board is made with a focus on national priorities, aligned with the ACB’s core values and principles,” the statement read. “It highlights the necessity for every player to maintain the ACB’s principles and prioritize the country’s interests above their personal ones.”
Mujeeb Ur Rahman, an off-spinner currently competing for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League, recently secured a contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL), valued at $241,000. Fast bowlers Naveen and Farooqi also possess contracts with IPL franchises.
This development underscores the delicate balance between individual aspirations in lucrative T20 leagues and the players’ commitment to their national duties. The ACB’s decision reflects its commitment to upholding the sanctity of representing Afghanistan, signaling a broader conversation within cricket about the evolving dynamics between national and franchise commitments.
