In a massive development, Afghanistan left-arm pace bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi's contract with Australia's Big Bash League franchise Sydney Thunder was terminated by Cricket Australia. Fazalhaq Farooqi's contract termination came after Sydney Thunder was all out for 15 while chasing 140 to win against Adelaide Strikers. What has raised everyone's eyebrows is Fazalhaq Farooqi's contract was terminated by Cricket Australia after their internal investigation over a formal complaint. Now, the question arises what Fazalhaq Farooqi did or why Fazalhaq Farooqi's contract with Thunder was terminated by Cricket Australia?
Fazalhaq Farooqi contract termination reason
As per Australian media reports, Sydney Thunder has terminated Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi's Big Bash League (BBL) contract with immediate effect after a disciplinary complaint triggered an investigation by Cricket Australia. The complaint was regarding an incident that took place on December 15 and resulted in a hearing with Cricket Australia's Conduct Commissioner. Sydney Thunder said the club received a complaint about the behaviour of Farooqi following an incident on Thursday, December 15, and referred it to CA for investigation. Following the internal probe, and a subsequent hearing and ruling by a CA Conduct commissioner, the Thunder have decided to terminate Farooqi's contract.
Cricket Australia also released an official statement and addressed the issue. Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon said was quoted in the press release saying, "The behaviours displayed by Fazalhaq Farooqi sit outside our values and it was determined that his contract be terminated. Our focus now is providing the necessary support to those affected by this incident." "Sydney Thunder have terminated the contract of Fazalhaq Farooqi, following a hearing held by Cricket Australia’s Conduct Commissioner," the Friday afternoon release further read. "Following the Commissioner's ruling, Sydney Thunder took the extra step of terminating the contract," Cricket Australia informed.
Afghanistan cricketer Fazalhaq Farooqi's BBL contract has been terminated following investigations into a matter that occurred last Thursday.
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) December 23, 2022
Not sure what he actually did, but it seems it was something very serious. pic.twitter.com/CnCDlTdUT6
It is pertinent to mention here that Cricket Australia in its release stated that Fazalhaq Farooqi termination reasons have been kept confidential and it will not be made public. As a result, fans around the world are wondering what exactly Fazalhaq Farooqi did. A journalist stated on Twitter that although Farooqi's termination reason has been kept a secret, it is obvious that he did something series that Cricket Australia had to step in.
For the unversed, the Afghan was picked up by the Thunder after impressing with his performances in Australia during the T20 World Cup. He had been signed to a nine-game deal as a replacement for the Thunder's top draft pick David Willey, who withdrew from the tournament in mid-November. The 22-year-old speedster is also a member of the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad for the IPL. Farooqi has also signed with the MI Emirates team in the UAE's ILT20 competition starting in January, which is now his next scheduled match.