The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has sanctioned Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen Ul Haq over their desire to be released from the annual central contracts on Monday.

The ACB announced that the spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, as well as pace bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen Ul Haq, will not be granted NOCs (no-objection certificates) for any franchise league for the next two years, as well as revokement of their current NOCs.

Afghanistan board through a statement also announced to delay their annual contract after these players expressed to opt out of central contracts and play more franchise cricket.

“The insistence on not signing the central contract for these players was their involvement in commercial leagues, prioritising their personal interests over playing for Afghanistan, which is regarded as a national responsibility,” the board statement added.

“By opting for their release, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to take disciplinary measures against these players.”

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The statement further shed light on the fact that the decision to sanction the trio stems from their prioritization of league cricket over national duty.

“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 further said.

“It highlights the necessity for every player to maintain the ACB’s principles and prioritise the country’s interests above their personal ones.”

Notably, Naveen-ul-Haq was picked by Peshawar Zalmi during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 Draft held earlier this month, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi remained unpicked.

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