Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq is set to join Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) in the upcoming SA20 after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) reversed its decision to deny him, along with Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) due to a contractual dispute. The players had previously opted not to sign central contracts for 2024 to focus on franchise leagues globally, leading to the initial sanctions.
Initially, the ACB had imposed a two-year ineligibility for NOCs and revoked Mujeeb’s certificate while he was playing for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL). However, after a review, the board decided to grant the players “limited NOCs,” allowing them to sign central contracts and participate in certain leagues while prioritizing national duty and the board’s interests.
Naveen-ul-Haq, who has arrived in South Africa, is expected to make his debut for DSG against Pretoria Capitals, replacing Richard Gleeson in the squad. His inclusion adds to the team’s strength, which has already seen Marcus Stoinis joining the ranks after replacing Nicholas Pooran. DSG has won their first three games in the tournament.
Graeme Smith, the SA20’s commissioner, expressed his satisfaction with the caliber of players joining the league, emphasizing the competitive nature of the tournament with top players like Naveen-ul-Haq making appearances.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Mujeeb and Farooqi have also been granted NOCs for the ILT20 and are expected to join their respective teams in the UAE after Afghanistan’s third T20I against India. Mujeeb will play for the defending champions Gulf Giants, while Farooqi is set to represent MI Emirates.
The development comes as a positive turn for the players, who can now resume their participation in various leagues, including the upcoming IPL, after the initial setback with the ACB’s sanctions.
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