Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman has been omitted from the Melbourne Renegades’ upcoming fixture in the 2023-24 Big Bash League against the Melbourne Stars on January 2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground due to sanctions imposed by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

Mujeeb, along with teammates Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi, faced sanctions from the ACB for prioritizing personal interests over national commitments. Their decision to withdraw from national contracts to participate in global T20 leagues led to the board’s sanctions. The ACB barred the trio from obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in T20 leagues for the next two years and revoked any existing NOCs.

Initially, Renegades management had no notice about Mujeeb’s future unavailability and expressed support. However, on January 1, the Renegades announced his exclusion from the squad due to alterations in his NOC conditions, rendering him unavailable for the upcoming match.

“Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been withdrawn from the squad due to changes in his NOC conditions that make him ineligible for the match,” stated the Melbourne Renegades.

In the previous fixture against Adelaide Strikers on December 29, Mujeeb played a crucial role, securing figures of 3/20 in four overs and aiding his team in securing their first win of the season. He stands as the joint-fourth-highest wicket-taker of the season, claiming seven wickets from six innings, averaging 22.42 with an economy of 7.47.

Meanwhile, Naveen and Farooqi have expressed their intentions to resume national duties, prompting their inclusion in Afghanistan’s 18-member squad for the ongoing T20I series against UAE. However, Mujeeb did not secure a spot in the squad.

The T20I series is currently leveled at 1-1, with Afghanistan winning the first game and UAE triumphing in the second fixture by 11 runs. The series’ final match is scheduled for January 2 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.

This action involves delaying the awarding of national contracts to these players and revoking their No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for participating in global franchise leagues.

In a statement released on Monday (December 25), the ACB disclosed their decision following the trio’s expressed desire to be released from the annual central contract. The board criticized the players for prioritizing personal interests over representing Afghanistan, prompting the formation of a dedicated committee to thoroughly investigate the matter and recommend appropriate actions.

The committee’s suggestions presented to the ACB’s top management include:

Non-award of Central Contracts: Mujeeb, Naveen, and Farooqi are ineligible for central contracts for one year starting from January 1, 2024. Their participation in events will be subject to ACB’s consideration.

Delay in Granting NOCs: The players are deemed ineligible to obtain NOCs for two years, with immediate revocation of all current NOCs.

Transparent Communication: ACB intends to transparently communicate its stance to the ICC, ACC, Member Countries/Cricket Boards, and the Afghanistan Public.

Emphasizing the decision’s alignment with national priorities and the ACB’s core values, the statement underscored the need for players to uphold these principles and prioritize the country’s interests over personal ones.

The immediate revocation of NOCs and the subsequent two-year ban from participating in franchise leagues effectively restricts Mujeeb, Naveen, and Farooqi from league cricket.

This development poses challenges for IPL franchises such as Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, associated with Mujeeb, Naveen, and Farooqi respectively.

Furthermore, this action could impact the trio’s prospects for the upcoming T20 World Cup, although they remain eligible for national selection at present.