Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has accepted all-rounder Hamza Nazar’s apology and lifted his two-year suspension after he admitted his mistake in a visa-related case. The cricketer has also been included in Sialkot’s squad for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
The PCB had announced a two-year ban and imposed a fine of Rs1 million on Hamza on August 6 after an investigation found that he had provided incomplete and misleading information while submitting a visa application through the board.
According to the PCB, the disciplinary action followed an inquiry into the information supplied by the cricketer. The board said he had failed to provide complete and accurate details and had withheld important facts during the application process.
A three-member inquiry committee was formed to investigate the matter. Hamza was given an opportunity to present his position before the committee reviewed the available evidence and submitted its findings and recommendations.
Following a review of the committee’s report, the PCB suspended him from all formats of domestic and international cricket for two years and imposed the Rs1 million fine.
Hamza Appeals for Another Chance
Hamza had reportedly been among the strong contenders for selection in Pakistan’s squads for tours of the West Indies and England. However, the visa-related controversy affected his chances of selection.
According to sources, the 27-year-old approached the board, expressed regret over his mistake and requested leniency. He reportedly appealed to the PCB not to deprive him of his livelihood, explaining that cricket was his source of income.
The board subsequently accepted his appeal and lifted the suspension with immediate effect. However, he has been advised to exercise greater caution in the future.
Return to Domestic Cricket
Hamza has been included in Sialkot’s squad for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and is currently training at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
The 27-year-old has played 16 first-class matches, scoring 748 runs and taking 26 wickets, according to the reported statistics.
The lifting of his ban gives the all-rounder an opportunity to resume his domestic career and work towards returning to contention for national selection.