Afghanistan and Sharjah Warriors pacer Naveen-ul-Haq banned from ILT20 for 20 months, here's why

Afghanistan's pace sensation Naveen-ul-Haq has been banned from the International League T20 competition for 20 months due to an alleged breach of contract. According to ILT20 CEO David White, Naveen-ul-Haq refused to sign his retention contract with Sharjah Warriors, who offered him an extension for season 2.

Here's why Naveen-ul-Haq has been banned from ILT20

Sharjah Warriors offered Naveen-ul-Haq a retention contract with the same terms and conditions, which the Afghanistan star refused to sign. The franchise then approached the league, which appointed a third-party mediator. However, the talks between Naveen-ul-Haq and Sharjah Warriors failed, resulting in a disciplinary committee hearing. 

The ILT20 disciplinary committee consisting of three members heard the dispute and decided in favour of the franchise, handing Naveen-ul-Haq a 20-month ban. ILT20 CEO David White, who was also part of the hearing, said in a statement that Naveen-ul-Haq failed to honour his contractual obligations and hence they had no option but to suspend the player.  

"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," ILT20 CEO David White said.

"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 added.

Note, that Naveen-ul-Haq was involved in an ugly spat with former India captain Virat Kohli during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season. The incident occurred during a match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants. Since then, the Afghanistan pacer has been in the limelight for various reasons.