Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman has been omitted from the Melbourne Renegades’ upcoming fixture in the 2023-24 Big Bash League against the Melbourne Stars on January 2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground due to sanctions imposed by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

Mujeeb, along with teammates Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi, faced sanctions from the ACB for prioritizing personal interests over national commitments. Their decision to withdraw from national contracts to participate in global T20 leagues led to the board’s sanctions. The ACB barred the trio from obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in T20 leagues for the next two years and revoked any existing NOCs.

Initially, Renegades management had no notice about Mujeeb’s future unavailability and expressed support. However, on January 1, the Renegades announced his exclusion from the squad due to alterations in his NOC conditions, rendering him unavailable for the upcoming match.

“Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been withdrawn from the squad due to changes in his NOC conditions that make him ineligible for the match,” stated the Melbourne Renegades.

In the previous fixture against Adelaide Strikers on December 29, Mujeeb played a crucial role, securing ♏figures of 3/20 in four overs and aiding his team in securing their first win of the season. He stands as the joint-fourth-highest wicket-taker of the season, claiming seven wickets from six innings, averaging 22.42 with an economy of 7.47.

Meanwhile, Naveen and Farooqi have expressed their intentions to resume national duties, prompting their inclusion in Afghanistan’s 18-member squad for the ongoing T20I series against UAE. However, Mujeeb did not secure a spot in the squad.

The T20I series is currently leveled at 1-1, with Afghanistan winning the first game and UAE triumphing in the second fixture by 11 runs. The series’ final match is scheduled for January 2 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.