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“Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been withdrawn from the squad due to changes in his NOC conditions that make him ineligible for the match,” stated the Melbourne Renegades.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

The Gabba encountered unrelenting rain on Monday, preventing any possibility of even the bat flip. Despite the hopeful anticipation of over 20,000 fans who eagerly arrived at the stadium, officials had to call off the scheduled clash against the Sydney Sixers.

Both teams, including the ladder-topping Heat (4-0) and the Sixers (3-1), faced disappointment with their third positions and two shared washouts. The teams are set to reconvene in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday.

“We’re eager to maintain our winning streak,” Neser expressed. “The washout is far from ideal, especially for the fans who play a significant role in our games. They missed out on what could have been an exciting match against the Sixers, similar to our intense clash in the Challenger that led us to the BBL final last season.”

While Neser shone in the previous season’s campaign, his presence this year has taken a back seat, despite his impressive performance during the early-season Sheffield Shield. However, the team’s success remains unaffected.

“Everyone is fulfilling their roles, and our bowling unit feels stronger with added depth and options,” Neser noted. “Our spinners, Mitch Swepson and Matt Kuhnemann, are doing exceptionally well in controlling the middle overs. Spencer Johnson consistently takes wickets, Xavier Bartlett thrives in the power surge overs, and so on.”

The Heat’s squad boasts such strength that seasoned performers like Jimmy Peirson, regular top-order batter Max Bryant, and all-rounder Jack Wildermuth have found it challenging to secure spots in the playing XI.

Looking ahead, the Gabba is set to host a twilight Test against the West Indies later in the month, and Neser remains optimistic about adding to his two Tests, both of which were played in Adelaide with a pink ball.

“There’s always the hope of representing your country,” Neser expressed. “I have a deep affinity for the game, especially when it comes to playing with the pink ball—I’d consider myself a bit of a specialist in that regard.”