The Melbourne Renegades have been offered a chink of light in their sorry season, after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) amended its stance on allowing players to take part in overseas franchise leagues.
The ACB on Monday rescinded a two-year ban and granted permission for Renegades' spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, along with fellow international stars Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen Ul Haq, to play in overseas leagues.
The players were handed a salary deduction and a warning over their "commitment to national duty".
The Renegades sit rock bottom of the Big Bash League ladder with just one win from eight matches so far this season.
Mujeeb was forced to sit out of last week's six-wicket loss to the Hobart Hurricanes as a result of the on-going row over his availability, while fellow import Joe Clarke is out for at least three weeks with a quad injury.
The Renegades have two fixtures remaining in this year's BBL - home to the Melbourne Stars on January 13 and away at the Sydney Thunder four days later.
The ACB had previously revoked the trio's request for permission to play franchise cricket by withholding the necessary no-objection certificates (NOCs) and delaying their annual contracts.
"Final Warning and Salary Deduction: Each player shall receive a final written warning and face a specific salary deduction from their monthly earnings and/or match fees," the board said in a statement announcing their change of heart.
"Limited NOCs: ACB will strictly consider the issuance of the NOCs to the respected players while prioritising the national duty and ACB’s interests.
"Central Contract: ACB may grant central contracts to these players while strictly monitoring their performance and discipline in events."
The modifications were implemented after taking into consideration the board's recognition of the players' contributions to Afghan cricket, ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf said.
"The players have undoubtedly contributed to the team's success and have represented the nation to the best of their values," he said.
"We hope that they avoid making similar inconveniences in the future as we expect them to represent the country in the best manner."
- with Reuters
