PCB lifts Hamza Nazar's ban | Image Credits- AFP
Pakistan and its players are known for getting famous for all the wrong reasons, and Hamza Nazar is one of them. Earlier this year, the uncapped all-rounder was banned for two years by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), but the board has lifted the ban in just two months.
Hailing from Sialkot, Hamza is a spinning all-rounder who was in line for his maiden call-up after his heroics in the last edition of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where he bagged wickets and scored vital runs.
PCB lifts Hamza Nazar's two-Year ban within 2 months of suspension
According to a report by the Tribune, the PCB has lifted the ban on Hamza Nazar, who was suspended by the board in August for providing incorrect information to the board in his visa application.
Not just the Pakistan board has lifted his ban, but the all-rounder has also been included in Sialkot's squad for the upcoming season of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
Reportedly, the 31-year-old admitted his mistake in front of the PCB, by expressing regret and appealing for the upliftment as his livelihood depends on playing the sport.
"Hamza approached the board, admitted his mistake and expressed regret, requesting a review of his punishment. He appealed to the PCB, stating that cricket was his livelihood and asking the board not to deprive him of the opportunity to continue playing," the report stated.
When Hamza Nazar's visa misconduct led him to a two-year suspension
During Pakistan's tour of the West Indies earlier this year, the off-spinning all-rounder Hamza Nazar was under national selectors' consideration to be called up for the two-match Test series. Ali Usman was picked over Hamza for that tour, and for the three-match series in England as well.
However, because the all-rounder provided misinformation on his visa application, the UK embassy rejected his documents.
Later, the PCB set up a three-member panel to look into the all-rounder's case, which found him guilty. The panel banned him for two years and fined him PKR 1 million.
Nevertheless, as Sialkot Blues will begin their campaign in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy on November 3, Hamza will feature in the Abdullah Shafique-led side. They will take on Karachi Blues B at the National Cricket Ground, Islamabad, in their campaign opener.
