New Delhi: Afghanistan pace spearhead Naveen-ul-Haq has been banned by the International League T20 (ILT20) organisers for 20 months for breaching their code of conduct, according to several media reports. Naveen played for Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20 in the previous season and took 11 wickets in nine matches. He was last seen in the ODI World Cup 2023 following which he retired from the 50-over format. The right-arm fast bowler has been retained by Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2024.

Sharjah Warriors approached the ILT20 to intervene in this dispute. The ILT20 first initiated a mediation process through an independent third-party mediator, however the mediation failed.

The ILT20’s three-member Disciplinary Committee which includes the league’s Chief Executive Officer David White, Head of Security and Anti-Corruption Col. Azam and Member Emirates Cricket Board Zayed Abbas separately heard both the parties i.e. Naveen and Sharjah Warriors and on examining the evidence before them conveyed its final verdict of a 20-month ban on Naveen.

CEO ILT20 David White: “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 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.”

With ANI Inputs