Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad has been handed a 12-month ban from the International League T20 (ILT20) due to a breach of his contract with the Sharjah Warriors franchise. This news comes as a blow to the 19-year-old, who was considered a rising star in the cricketing world.
Refusal to Sign Retention Notice Leads to Ban
Noor, who played for the Warriors in the inaugural season of the ILT20 in 2023, was offered a one-year extension by the franchise. However, he opted out of signing the retention notice, choosing instead to participate in the South African T20 league (SA20) with the Durban’s Super Giants.
This decision triggered a dispute, prompting the Warriors to seek intervention from the ILT20. Following an investigation and hearing the perspectives of both parties, the league’s disciplinary committee imposed a 20-month ban on Noor.
Reduced Sentence Acknowledges Age and Miscommunication
Considering Noor’s age at the time of signing the initial contract and his explanation of not being fully informed by his agent, the committee ultimately reduced the ban to 12 months. This means Noor will miss the upcoming ILT20 season, which runs from January to February 2025.
Second Warriors Player Banned for Contract Breach
Noor’s ban marks the second such instance for the Sharjah Warriors in recent months. Last December, fellow Afghan cricketer Naveen-ul-Haq received a 20-month ban for refusing to sign the retention notice, effectively ruling him out of the ILT20 for two seasons.
Impact on Noor’s Career
The ban will undoubtedly impact Noor’s development and career trajectory. While he will still be eligible to play in other leagues and international matches, missing the ILT20 could hinder his exposure to high-level competition and potentially affect future contract negotiations.
