In a surprising turn of events, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has reinstated pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq into the T20 squad for the upcoming three-match series against UAE. The decision comes after the players, along with Mujeeb Ur Rahman, were earlier denied central contracts and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in franchise competitions worldwide.
The ACB had initially defended its stance by accusing the players of prioritizing personal interests over representing Afghanistan. However, both Farooqi and Naveen have now demonstrated a strong desire to don the national colors once again, prompting the ACB to reconsider its decision.
In an official statement, the ACB acknowledged and praised the eagerness of Farooqi and Naveen to collaborate closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and continue their commitment to playing for the country. The sudden change of heart, however, has not influenced the ACB’s decision to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
The statement reads, “Fast bowlers Fazal Haq Farooqi and Naveen Ul Haq have approached the ACB and demonstrated a strong desire to represent their country again and have requested the previously assigned committee to reconsider its decision regarding the disciplinary measures imposed against them.”
Despite their return to the squad, the ACB remains firm on its commitment to conducting a comprehensive investigation to “assess and determine the involvement of these players in (international) events as necessary.”
The Afghanistan squad for the three-match T20I series against UAE includes Ibrahim Zadran as captain, with players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, and Mohammad Nabi in the lineup. Reserves feature star spinner Rashid Khan, among others.
The reinstatement of Farooqi and Naveen adds an interesting dimension to Afghanistan’s cricketing landscape, raising questions about the relationship between players and cricket boards, and the delicate balance between personal ambitions and national commitments. As the team prepares to face UAE, cricket enthusiasts will be closely watching how these developments unfold both on and off the field.
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