ACB suspends Mohammad Shahzad's contract indefinitely

Shahzad had also skipped two meetings with the ACB Discipline Committee. © Getty

Mohammad Shahzad's contract stands suspended for an indefinite period by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for code of conduct breach. The opening batsman was found repeatedly guilty of not seeking permission from the board when traveling out of the country, ACB clarified in a release on Saturday (August 10).

ACB also referenced other areas Shahzad has defaulted in recent times. "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," the release went on to state. "Mohammad Shahzad did not attend meetings scheduled with the Discipline Committee on 20th and 25th of last month."

Shahzad was recently at loggerheads with the board after being ruled out of the 2019 World Cup. "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 had 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."

But Asadullah Khan, CEO of ACB, had rubbished the claims made by Shahzad. "What he is saying is completely wrong. A proper medical report to the ICC was submitted and then only his replacement was announced. The team could not have fielded an unfit player. I understand he is upset at not being part of World Cup anymore but the team could not have compromised on his fitness," Khan had said.