Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq has been handed a 20-month ban by the International League T20 (ILT20) for breaching the terms of his contract with Sharjah Warriors.

Naveen, who had signed with Sharjah Warriors for the first season of the tournament, was offered another year’s extension but refused to sign the retention notice for season 2.

Following impressive performances in the first season, Sharjah wanted to retain Naveen for the second season as well under the same terms and conditions as stipulated in the Player Agreement.

However, there emerged a dispute between Naveen and the Sharjah Warriors, leading to the team calling upon the ILT20 for intervention. In an attempt to amicably resolve the issue, the ILT20 pursued a mediation process via an impartial, third-party mediator. Despite these efforts, the mediation didn’t deliver a successful outcome, prompting further action.

Consequent to the failed mediation, the ILT20 resorted to initiating an investigation into the matter, deploying a three-member Disciplinary Committee. This committee comprised of Chief Executive Officer David White, Head of Security and Anti-Corruption Col. Azam, and Zayed Abbas, a member of the Emirates Cricket Board.

The final verdict delivered by the Disciplinary Committee, following a comprehensive evaluation of the matter, was a 20-month ban on Naveen from the ILT20. In a press release, White confirmed the same, saying that Naveen had failed to honour his contractual obligations.

“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,” said ILT20 CEO David White.

The second season of ILT20 will begin on January 19 next year and will go on till February 14.