The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lifted the two-year suspension imposed on all-rounder Hamza Nazar over a visa application controversy, just two months after announcing the punishment.
The 27-year-old has been cleared to return to competitive cricket and has been included in Sialkot’s squad for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
According to reports, the decision came after Hamza admitted his mistake, expressed regret, and requested the PCB to reconsider his punishment.
The board had suspended Hamza from all domestic and international cricket for two years and fined him Rs. 1 million on August 6 for providing incorrect and misleading information during a visa application process through the PCB.
A three-member inquiry committee formed by the board found that the all-rounder had failed to disclose complete and accurate information and had concealed important facts. The committee reviewed the available evidence, heard his defense, and submitted its recommendations before the PCB announced the disciplinary action.
The controversy also affected Hamza’s chances of representing Pakistan, as he had been among the leading contenders for selection in the national squads for the tours of the West Indies and England.
Reports suggest that Hamza later approached the board, acknowledging his mistake and explaining that cricket was his livelihood. He requested the PCB not to deprive him of the opportunity to continue his career.
Following his appeal, the PCB overturned the suspension and advised him to exercise greater caution in the future.
Hamza is currently training at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore as he prepares for his return to domestic cricket.
The all-rounder has scored 748 runs and claimed 26 wickets in 16 first-class matches.
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