Afghanistan Cricket Board suspends Mohammad Shahzad for an indefinite period

Shahzad was controversially left out from the team midway through the World Cup as well.

Mohammad Shahzad | Getty

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Saturday (August 10) suspended the contract of Mohammad Shahzad for an indefinite period, citing that the wicketkeeper batsman violated ACB's Code of Conduct.

As per an ACB release, Shahzad did not adhere to the cricket board's policy of seeking its permission before travelling out of the country. Shahzad was also found to be in breach of ACB's Code of Conduct when he played in a local Peshawar tournament in 2018.

The cricketing body also stated that the 31-year-old failed to attend meetings with the ACB Discipline Committee in relation to disciplinary matters during World Cup 2019.

"As per ACB’s policies, any player travelling out of the country is required to seek the permission of ACB. Shahzad has not adhered to this, repetitively," ACB said in a statement.

"Mohammad Shahzad has also breached the ACB Code of Conduct previously and was recently called for questioning by the ACB Discipline Committee in relation to a disciplinary matter during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Mohammad Shahzad did not attend meetings scheduled with the Discipline Committee on 20th and 25th of the last month. The Discipline Committee will meet after Eid-ul Adha holidays to assess the breaches by Mohammad Shahzad and make a decision to be publicized soon," it added.

"ACB has well-equipped training and practice facilities within the country and Afghan players do not require to travel abroad for such purposes."

It is pertinent to mention here that Shahzad was ruled out of the World Cup on June 7 due to a knee injury. However, he had claimed that his injury was not severe and it is the board which needed to be blamed for his withdrawal from the team.

"I still don't know why I was ruled unfit when I was fit enough to play. Some people in the board (ACB) have conspired against me," Shahzad has said on June 10. "Only manager, doctor and the captain knew that I was going to be replaced. Even the coach (Phil Simmons) found out much later. It was heart-breaking."

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 10 Aug, 2019

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