Naveen-ul-Haq Cleared to Play in SA20 after ACB's Permission

Naveen-ul-Haq Cleared to Play in SA20 after ACB Sanctions Relaxed

In addition, the ACB has given NOCs to Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi to participate in the ILT20, and Naveen-ul-Haq to participate in the SA20.

After reversing their initial decision to deny three players No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) due to a contractual dispute, Naveen-ul-Haq has arrived in South Africa and will play for Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20 as scheduled.

Last month, the ACB sanctioned Naveen, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman for “prioritizing their personal interests over playing for Afghanistan” after they informed the ACB that they wanted to sign central contracts for 2024 in order to maximize their opportunities in franchise leagues around the world.

Although the board did not specify the limitations, it did state in a press release that “ACB will strictly consider the issuance of the NOCs to the respected players while prioritizing the national duty and ACB’s interests.”

All of the players are expected to be granted NOCs to participate in the IPL. Initially, the ACB told the players that they would be ineligible for NOCs for two years and revoked Mujeeb’s while he was playing for Melbourne Renegades in the BBL.

However, the sanctions were largely reversed upon review, allowing the players to sign central contracts and receive “limited NOCs.” After arriving in South Africa, Naveen will be available for DSG’s (the IPL affiliate of his Lucknow Super Giants) match against the Pretoria Capitals on Thursday night. DSG, who have won their first three games, will also have Marcus Stoinis available after he replaced Nicholas Pooran.

The commissioner of the SA20, Graham Smith, stated: “We can see the teams pulling out all the stops and bringing in some world-class players into their squads. It is great to have the calibre of these players joining the league.”

According to a number of sources, Mujeeb and Farooqi have also been given nods of approval for the ILT20; Mujeeb is scheduled to play for the reigning champions Gulf Giants, while Farooqi will join MI Emirates. Mujeeb is expected to arrive in the UAE on Thursday after Afghanistan’s third Twenty20 international match against India.