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In a significant development within the ongoing season of the Big Bash League (BBL), Melbourne Renegades have taken the decision to exclude Afghan cricketer Mujeeb Ur Rahman from their squad ahead of their upcoming fixture against Melbourne Stars. This decision is a direct consequence of modifications made to the off-spinner’s No-Objection Certificate (NOC) conditions by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).
The Renegades’ move highlights the impact of administrative changes on player eligibility and team dynamics, shedding light on the complexities in domestic cricket tournaments. Mujeeb’s absence from the squad raises questions about the implications of such alterations to NOC conditions and their ramifications on the team’s composition and strategy.
Reason behind sanctions on Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Mujeeb, alongside pace bowlers Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi, recently faced repercussions from ACB following their decision to voluntarily opt out of inclusion in the central contracts list for the year 2024. The sanctions imposed on the trio are substantial, encompassing a two-year ban on obtaining NOCs for participation in T20 leagues and revoking any existing NOCs they may hold. Notably, these three players played pivotal roles in Afghanistan’s stellar performance in the ODI World Cup 2023, making the cricketing body’s punitive measures a topic of considerable discussion within the cricketing community.
Also READ: ACB imposes sanctions on three Afghan players
What’s next for Mujeeb?
While Naveen and Fazalhaq found a place in the Afghan squad for their ongoing Tour of UAE, the same cannot be said for Mujeeb, who opted to stay in Australia to participate in BBL. ACB’s decision to include Naveen and Fazalhaq in the squad was followed by the players’ proactive communication with the board, expressing a strong desire to represent the national team again.
The intriguing aspect lies in the uncertainty surrounding Mujeeb’s future participation in other T20 leagues, particularly after being acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024 auction at his base price of Rs 2 crore. Overall, whether the 22-year-old will be granted permission to join the two-time champions in IPL 2024 still remains a matter of speculation.
