Sport
Afghanistan modifies sanctions on Mujeeb, Naveen and Farooqi
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!
Sport
Serbian Dejan Dedovic appointed head coach of Afghanistan national futsal team
Dedovic will lead Afghanistan’s preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, overseeing the team’s technical development and training programs.
The Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) has appointed Serbian coach Dejan Dedovic as the new head coach of the national futsal team on a two-year contract.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by AFF officials, futsal committee members, technical staff, and sports journalists.
Dedovic will lead Afghanistan’s preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, overseeing the team’s technical development and training programs.
The federation also announced several additions to the national team’s coaching staff. Iran’s Javad Asghari Moqaddam has been appointed technical director, while Morteza Mansour Samaei will serve as goalkeeping coach. Spain’s Uriel Masana has joined as assistant coach, Iran’s Sadeq Amani as fitness coach, and Brazil’s Joao Lira as team analyst.
In addition, the AFF renewed the contract of Mohammad Nasir Sedaqat as manager of the national futsal team.
The federation said it expects the newly assembled coaching staff to contribute to the continued development of Afghan futsal and strengthen the team’s competitiveness at the regional and international levels.
The India national cricket team defeated Afghanistan in the third and final One Day International (ODI), sealing the series with a 9-wicket victory and lifting the series trophy.
Afghanistan won the toss in the final match and opted to bat first.
Batting first, Afghanistan were bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs, setting India a target of 219 runs.
Hashmatullah Shahidi played a superb innings, scoring 102 runs off 131 deliveries, anchoring the Afghan batting effort.
In reply, India made light work of the chase, reaching 219 for the loss of just one wicket in 28.4 overs, completing a dominant run chase.
India had already taken an unassailable lead in the series by winning the first ODI by 7 wickets and the second by 170 runs, before sealing a comprehensive 3–0 series sweep in the final match.
The Indian national cricket team registered a dominant 170-run victory over Afghanistan in the second One Day International, delivering a commanding all-round performance.
Batting first, India piled up 402 all out in 49.5 overs, setting a daunting 403-run target for Afghanistan.
In reply, Afghanistan were never able to settle into the chase and were eventually bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs, falling well short of the required total.
India’s innings was powered by a sensational top-order display. Shubman Gill led the charge with a brilliant 154 off 110 balls, striking 22 fours and 2 sixes, while Ishan Kishan lit up the innings with a rapid 125 off 79 deliveries, smashing 14 fours and 7 sixes. The duo laid the foundation for a massive total.
Afghanistan’s bowling effort saw some resistance from Rashid Khan, who picked up 3 wickets, but lacked support from the other end.
Set under pressure from the outset, Afghanistan’s batting lineup failed to build partnerships and was unable to sustain the required run rate against disciplined Indian bowling.
The match was played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, where India’s dominant performance secured a comfortable win and momentum in the series.
Afghanistan had also lost the opening ODI by 7 wickets, giving India a strong 2–0 position in the series.
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