Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad has been slapped with a 12-month by the International League T20 for breaching his Player Agreement with Sharjah Warriors. The ILT20 franchise had signed him for the inaugural season and then offered him another year's extension but the teenager refused to sign it.
As per a release by ILT20, he was sent the same contract that he was offered in the first season. ILT20 intervened after Noor's refusal and formed a three-member Disciplinary Committee which included Chief Executive Officer David White, Head of Security and Anti-Corruption Col. Azam, and Member Emirates Cricket Board Zayed Abbas. After listing to both parties, Noor was handed a 12-month ban from the league.
Earlier, a 20-month ban was recommended but the fact that Noor was a minor at the time of signing the contract was taken into consideration. Hence, his ban was reduced by eight months.
Noor represented Durban Super Giants in the SA20 League where he registered his career-best bowling figures of five wickets for just 11 runs against Paarl Royals.
Currently, the 19-year-old Noor is playing in the T20I series against Sri Lanka. He has taken one wicket from a couple of appearances.
Another Afghan who faced a ban
However, Noor was not the only one who was banned from playing in ILT20. Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq in December 2023 was handed a 20-month ban by Sharjah Warriors for breaching their agreement. He was signed by the Durban Super Giants as well.
"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," White said. "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.
"The disciplinary proceedings against Naveen were conducted in a transparent manner and both parties involved were given opportunities to prepare and present their submissions."
Giants reach final, Warriors finish at the bottom
Despite the services of two Afghan bowlers, Keshav Maharaj-led Durban Super Giants could not win the ILT20. They faced an 89-run defeat in the final against Aiden Markram-led Sunrisers Eastern Cape. On the other hand, Sharjah Warriors finished at the bottom of the table with six losses from 10 games.
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