Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has received a 20-month ban from the International League T20 (ILT20) for violating his contract. He played for the Sharjah Warriors during the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2023.
Having taken 11 wickets in nine matches with an average of 24.36, Naveen-ul-Haq was extended a retention offer by the Sharjah Warriors for the second season. However, the player declined to sign the retention notice, leading the Sharjah Warriors to seek resolution through the ILT20.
The competition authorities attempted to find a resolution by appointing an independent third-party mediator and initiating a mediation process between the player and the franchise, but unfortunately, it did not yield the desired outcome.
In the end, the three-member disciplinary committee of ILT20, consisting of ILT20 CEO David White, head of security and anti-corruption Col. Azam, and Emirates Cricket Board member Zayed Abbas, individually heard both parties.
After evaluating the evidence and statements from the player and the franchise, they decided to impose a 20-month ban on Naveen-ul-Haq.
“We do not take pride in making this announcement but all parties are expected to comply with their contractual commitments and recognize that non-compliance can cause damage to the other party.”
”Unfortunately, Naveen-ul-Haq failed to honour his contractual obligations with the Sharjah Warriors, and as such the league had no option but to impose this 20-month ban on him.” ILT20 CEO David White said in a press release.
“The disciplinary proceedings against Naveen were conducted in a transparent manner and both parties involved were given opportunities to prepare and present their submissions,” he further stated.
Naveen-ul-Haq’s ban will extend until August 2025, resulting in his absence from the upcoming two seasons of ILT20. The second season is set to occur in the January-February 2024 window in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Naveen-ul-Haq announced his retirement from ODI cricket in recent times
The Afghan pacer, Naveen-ul-Haq, recently retired from One Day International (ODI) cricket, with the 2023 ODI World Cup being his last appearance in the format.
The ILT20 ban imposed on him does not impact his involvement in other international leagues, such as England’s Vitality Blast, Lanka Premier League, and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he has previously played.
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) recently retained Naveen-ul-Haq for the upcoming IPL 2024 season, as announced before the mini-auction. His next anticipated appearance is in Afghanistan’s tour of India in January 2024, featuring three T20Is.
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