Big Bash League 2023-24

'No one's bigger than the sport' - Fans express their views after Sydney Thunder terminate Fazalhaq Farooqi's contract

Big Bash League franchise Sydney Thunder terminated the contract of Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi after a “behaviour incident”.

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Fazalhaq Farooqi

Fazalhaq Farooqi (Source: Twitter)

Fazalhaq Farooqi Fazalhaq Farooqi (Source: Twitter)

Big Bash League franchise Sydney Thunder terminated the contract of Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi after a “behaviour incident”. The Cricket Australia's Intergity Unit led an investigation following which the decision to terminate the contract was taken. Farooqi, who was signed as a replacement to David Willey in November, represented the Thunder for four matches in the season during the season.

Farooqi’s contract was terminated after a hearing held by Cricket Australia's (CA) Conduct Commissioner. The club did not provide details about the incident. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment by the news agency Reuters.

"The club received a complaint about the behaviour of Farooqi following an incident last Thursday and referred the matter to Cricket Australia's Integrity Unit for investigation," Thunder said in a statement.

Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon said all employees were held to a "high standard of behaviour and accountability".

"The behaviours displayed by Fazalhaq Farooqi sit outside our values and it was determined that his contract be terminated," Germon said. Thunder has not named a replacement yet.

Farooqi has picked up five wickets from four games for the Thunder so far. He impressed on his debut with two wickets against Melbourne Stars and three against Adelaide Strikers.

Sydney Thunder on last position in BBL 2022-23

Earlier this year Farooqi was named as a replacement for David Willey who withdrew from the draft. Meanwhile, Sydney Thunder are placed on the last position in the points table having won just one game out of four. They began their campaign on a high with a victory against Melbourne Stars in the first match of the season by one wicket.

However, they lost their way in their next three matches losing against Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Renegades, and Adelaide Strikers respectively. With nine games remaining in their campaign Thunder can make a comeback to qualify for the playoffs.

In their second match, Thunder got all out 15 having the ignominy of the lowest T20 team score against their name. Meanwhile, Twitter was abuzz with reactions on Fazalhaq Farooqi. Here are some of the Tweets:

 

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