Naveen-ul-Haq refused to extend his contract for a second season with the Sharjah Warriors in the International League T20, resulting in a 20-month ban.

Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, previously playing for Sharjah Warriors in Season 1 of ILT20 (January-February 2023), declined an extension offer for Season 2 despite a retention notice sent by the team under the existing terms. This disagreement led to a conflict between Naveen and Sharjah Warriors. Sharjah Warriors sought intervention from ILT20 to resolve the matter. Initially, a mediation attempt took place through an impartial mediator, but it didn’t yield a resolution.

Subsequently, ILT20’s Disciplinary Committee, comprising CEO David White, Security & Anti-Corruption Head Col. Azam, and Emirates Cricket Board Member Zayed Abbas, independently heard both sides. After careful examination of evidence, the committee ruled in favor of Sharjah Warriors, imposing a 20-month ban on Naveen for breaching his initial Player Agreement. This decision came after due consideration of arguments presented by both Naveen and Sharjah Warriors.

“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 honor his contractual obligations with the Sharjah Warriors, and as such the league had no option but to impose this 20-month ban on him. The disciplinary proceedings against Naveen were conducted in a transparent manner and both parties involved were given opportunities to prepare and present their submissions,” White said in his statement.  

Despite this ban, Naveen remains eligible for other T20 leagues and international matches. He will feature for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024 and continue representing Afghanistan in T20 internationals.

The ILT20 Season 2 is scheduled for January-February next year, commencing with Sharjah Warriors vs. Gujarat Giants on January 19, 2024, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Last Updated on December 18, 2023

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