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Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Naveen-ul-Haq
have all almost fully reintegrated into Afghanistan after a short period of
disagreement between the players and the board.
When the three of them stated last month that they
would like to be freed from their central contracts to pursue other
opportunities on the T20 franchise circuit, the Afghanistan Cricket Board
punished them by cancelling their current No-Objection Certificates and
preventing them from obtaining new ones for a two-year period.
After Farooqi, Mujeeb, and Naveen approached the board
with a “strong desire to represent the country again” and the ACB
conducted “a comprehensive investigation,” the players were cleared
to obtain central contracts and a “limited” number of NOCs were
allowed to play in franchise T20 leagues. A “final warning” and wage
reductions from their monthly salaries and/or match fees have also been given
to all three of them.
Along with revealing these facts, the press release
from ACB stated that they might be awarded central contracts, which were put on
hold when the first sanctions were put in place, “while strictly
monitoring their performance and discipline in events.”
“We really hope the players avoid making similar
inconveniences in the future as we expect them to represent the country in the
best of manners.” ACB chief Mirwais Ashraf said. “The ACB and the
rules are above all of us and it’s important to adhere to the regulations
because there are no exceptions for anyone in this regard. However, such cases
of a similar nature would be dealt with more strictly as we prioritise the
prestige of the Afghanistan Cricket and the organisation.”
The ACB’s strict position contrasts with the majority
of national boards’ previous policy, which has been to provide their players
the freedom to accept lucrative contracts in other leagues even in the event
that they decline central contracts.
After “demonstrating strong desire to represent
country”, Farooqi and Naveen led the way for Afghanistan in the recent
three-match Twenty20 International series against UAE. They have been chosen in
the team that will play three Twenty20 Internationals in India. Mujeeb, who was
absent during the UAE tour, has also been included in the team.