Pakistan's 27-year-old all-rounder Hamza Nazar has been handed a two-year suspension from all forms of cricket in addition to a PKR one million fine from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for providing misleading information in his visa application process.
PCB made the announcement on August 6 after an internal inquiry was conducted. Hamza was seen rising among the ranks in Pakistan's domestic cricket. Reports also suggested that he might be in fray for maiden Test call-up for the recently-concluded tour of West Indies but the visa application fiasco led to the suspension instead.
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PCB has adopted a strict approach and made it clear that such discrepancies will not be allowed. The PCB intends to protect its image.
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"The PCB takes matters involving misrepresentation, non-disclosure and the submission of misleading information extremely seriously," PCB said.
"Such conduct was inconsistent with the standards of honesty, professionalism and responsibility expected from individuals associated with Pakistan cricket," the board added.
The Sialkot all-rounder was given an opportunity to explain his side of the story but the three-member inquiry committee did not find it convincing enough and made the two-year suspension call based on the evidence available.
Nazar’s recent form in red-ball cricket
Nazar is an off-spinner who can contribute down the order as well. Earlier this year, batting at no.7, he had scored an unbeaten 175 off 202 deliveries for Khan Research Laboratories against Pakistan Television in President's Trophy Grade-1 competition. In his previous first-class appearance, he claimed a four-fer and also contributed with a 71-run knock against Ghani Glass.
Nazar’s career
Nazar had made his debut in 2014 in red-ball cricket. Nine years later, he made his T20 debut. From 16 first-class games, he has amassed 748 runs at an average of nearly 30. The century earlier this year is his only one. He has five fifties in the format too. He has claimed 26 wickets, averaging over 37, including two five-wicket hauls. He has played 15 List A games and bagged 18 wickets, including a four-fer. He has just one half-century in the One-Dayers. He hasn't been successful in T20s, accounting for only three wickets in 10 games and conceding runs at over 10 runs per over.