ACB Bans Three Cricketers for Unauthorized Play in Indian T20 League
Afghanistan Cricket Board Imposes Strict Ban on Three Players
In a move that sends a clear message regarding disciplinary protocols and administrative authority, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has imposed a significant ban on three of its cricketers. The players have been penalized for participating in an Indian T20 league without obtaining the necessary official clearance from the governing body.
The board has confirmed a four-month ban for the trio, during which they are strictly prohibited from participating in any domestic matches or representing the national team in international fixtures. This development highlights the ACB’s rigid approach toward player management, particularly for those who frequently seek opportunities in the burgeoning landscape of global T20 leagues.
Who Are the Banned Players?
The ACB has come down heavy on Samiullah Shinwari, Aftab Alam, and Shehzad Mohammad. The primary reason for the disciplinary action was their participation in the Legends League Cricket in India without securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the apex cricket board of Afghanistan.
The Legends League saw these three players showcasing their skills on the Indian stage. Notably, Samiullah Shinwari was a part of the Royal Riders Punjab squad, which eventually emerged as the winners of the competition. Interestingly, the veteran Asgar Afghan was also a member of the same winning team. However, the ACB did not impose any sanctions on Afghan, as he has already retired from international cricket and is therefore not subject to the same contractual obligations as active players.
The professional standing of the banned players varies. Samiullah Shinwari, despite not featuring in a game for the Afghanistan national team for four years, has not officially announced his retirement. Similarly, Aftab Alam and Shehzad Mohammad last represented their country in 2023, making them still active in the eyes of the board.
The Core Issue: NOCs and Corruption Risks
The conflict centers on more than just a missing piece of paperwork. While the lack of an NOC is the formal reason for the ban, the ACB has expressed deep concerns regarding the nature of the league itself. According to a statement shared via a tweet by Jafar Haand, board members believe the Legends League operates outside the boundaries of established cricket governance.
The board explicitly stated that the league is not officially recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Because the league lacks the endorsement of these two major governing bodies, the ACB views participation as a high-risk activity, citing a “high risk of fraud and corruption.”
Player Perspectives and the NOC Struggle
Reports indicate that the players may feel the ban is an unfair outcome of administrative delays. It has been alleged that at least one of the players attempted to approach the ACB for the required NOC before the Legends League began. However, the player claims that board members repeatedly delayed the process, effectively pushing the approval date further and further back until the window for the league arrived.
Left with a commitment to the LLC’s commissioner, the players decided to proceed with the tournament. Furthermore, because they had not been called up to the national squad for a significant period, some players felt that formal permission from the ACB was unnecessary for their participation in a non-recognized league.
ACB’s Growing Control Over Overseas Leagues
This incident is part of a broader trend of the ACB tightening its grip on how contracted players balance international duties with the allure of franchise cricket. In recent years, the board has observed a growing tendency among players to prioritize T20 leagues over national commitments.
To combat this, the ACB introduced a policy earlier this year that limits contracted players to a maximum of just three overseas leagues per year. This regulation has had a profound impact on Afghanistan’s biggest stars, including Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who are among the most sought-after players in global T20 circuits.
By imposing these restrictions and issuing heavy bans for unauthorized play, the ACB is attempting to ensure that the national team remains the priority while protecting its players from potentially corrupt or unrecognized sporting environments.
