The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has modified the previously imposed sanctions on three national players — Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi and Naveen Ul Haq — as the players relented and expressed their desire to accept the central contract offered by the board.

Last month, all three players asked to be released from their central contracts in order to pursue other opportunities on the T20 franchise circuit.

The ACB in turn revoked their existing No-Objection Certificates, denying them further NOCs for a period of two years.

The ACB said in Monday’s statement however, that it took the decision, following a thorough investigation, to issue a final warning to the players and deduct money from their salaries.

“Upon the players’ unconditional approach to the ACB and expressing a strong desire to represent the country again, the ACB initiated a comprehensive investigation.

“After evaluating the players’ initial stance in light of recent developments and acknowledging the importance of their presence in the national team, the assigned committee communicated its final recommendations to the board,” the ACB statement said.

“The modified recommendations state the following course of regulatory measures that are proportionate, effective & feasible and shall supersede the previous measures imposed on the players concerning the same issue:

“A final Warning and Salary Deduction: Each player shall receive a final written warning and face a specific salary deduction from their monthly earnings and/or match fees.

“The ACB will strictly consider the issuance of limited NOCs to the respected players while prioritising the national duty and ACB’s interests.

“The ACB may grant central contracts to these players while strictly monitoring their performance and discipline in events,” the ACB said.

Farooqi and Naveen fronted up for Afghanistan during the recent three-match T20I series against UAE after “demonstrating strong desire to represent the country”, and the two have also been named in the squad that will take on India, for three T20Is, starting Thursday.

Mujeeb has also been named in the squad, having missed the UAE tour as he was still at the Big Bash League (BBL) with the Melbourne Renegades at the time.

The T20Is in India will be Mujeeb’s first since July 2023.

India series

The event kicks off on Thursday, January 11, with the first T20I scheduled to be staged in Mohali’s Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, followed by the second on January 14 in Indore and the final on the 17th in Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Cricket fans in Afghanistan will get to watch all three matches against India live on Ariana Television after ATN secured exclusive rights to broadcast the series.

Thursday’s cricket fest will start at 5pm Kabul time so be sure to stay tuned!