Afghanistan Cricketer Naveen-ul-Haq Receives 20-Month Suspension from ILT20 Due to Failure to Sign Retention Agreement

Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has received a 20-month suspension from the ILT20, a United Arab Emirates-based cricket league. This ban was imposed following Naveen’s failure to sign a retention agreement with the Sharjah Warriors, the team he represented in 2023. As a result of the ban, Naveen is prohibited from participating in the ILT20 seasons of 2024 and 2025, both scheduled for January-February.

The issue originated when the Sharjah Warriors, having signed Naveen for the 2023 season, issued a retention notice to him earlier this year, which he declined to sign, as per an ILT20 statement. Following unsuccessful mediation attempts by an independent third party, ILT20 had to intervene in the dispute.

David White, the ILT20 chief executive and a member of the league’s disciplinary committee, expressed regret over the necessity of the ban but emphasized the importance of contractual compliance. He stated that Naveen’s failure to fulfill his contract with the Sharjah Warriors left the league with no choice but to enforce the ban.

White also noted that the disciplinary process against Naveen was transparent and both parties were given fair opportunities to present their cases.

Despite the ILT20 ban, Naveen has joined the Durban’s Super Giants in SA20, South Africa’s domestic T20 tournament. The Durban team is affiliated with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants, with which Naveen is already associated.

SA20 and ILT20 are scheduled to take place around the same time, and Naveen will now participate in the SA20. Additionally, he is expected to play in the upcoming IPL season, set to commence on March 22 next year.