Pakistan's Hamza Nazar banned for two years over visa misrepresentation

Pakistan cricketer Hamza Nazar has been handed a two-year ban from all forms of cricket after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) found him guilty of submitting misleading information during a visa application, ending the young batter's hopes of an imminent international breakthrough.

Hamza had emerged as a strong contender for Pakistan's Test squad for the West Indies tour following a string of impressive performances in domestic cricket. However, he missed out on selection after encountering visa-related complications.

In a statement issued on Thursday (August 6), the PCB said its investigation established that Hamza had provided incomplete and misleading information while applying for a visa through the board's official process. The inquiry found that he had deliberately withheld key details and failed to disclose accurate information in the application.

The board described the conduct as a serious breach of professional standards and initiated disciplinary proceedings.

A three-member inquiry committee was formed to investigate the matter. According to Pakistan's Dawn newspaper, Hamza was given an opportunity to present his defence before the panel reviewed his statement, supporting documents and other evidence. The committee later submitted its findings, on which the PCB based its final decision.

As part of the disciplinary action, Hamza has been banned from both domestic and international cricket for two years and fined PKR 1 million.

The PCB said it considers the submission of false or misleading information in visa applications, as well as the concealment of material facts, to be a serious offence that falls short of the integrity, professionalism and accountability expected from players representing Pakistan cricket.

The board added that it would continue to maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward conduct that could damage the reputation of Pakistan cricket, the PCB or the country's sporting image.