Dubai, December 18, 2023: The ILT20 has suspended fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq for 20 months for breaking his player contract with the Sharjah Warriors, who had hired him for the first season of the competition. The Warriors extended Naveen’s contract by one more year; however, he declined to sign the retention notice for Season 2.
Earlier this year, Naveen-ul-Haq received a retention notice from Sharjah Warriors, whom he played for in Season 1 of the ILT20 (January–February 2023), on the same terms and conditions as outlined in his Player Agreement.
In an attempt to resolve this conflict, the Sharjah Warriors contacted the ILT20. The ILT20 attempted to mediate the situation using an impartial third party, but it was unsuccessful.
Following separate hearings from Naveen and Sharjah Warriors, the ILT20’s three-member Disciplinary Committee—which also includes Emirates Cricket Board member Zayed Abbas, Chief Executive Officer David White of the league, and Head of Security and Anti-Corruption Col. Azam—resolved to ban Naveen for a full 20 months after considering the evidence presented to them.
David White, CEOILT20: “We do not take pride in this announcement, but all parties are expected to uphold their end of the bargain and understand that failure to do so may result in harm to the other party.”
Unfortunately, Naveen-ul-Haq did not fulfill his contractual responsibilities with the Sharjah Warriors. As a result, the league was forced to ban him for 20 months.
“Both parties involved were given opportunities to prepare and present their submissions, and the disciplinary proceedings against Naveen were conducted in a transparent manner.”