Pakistan left-arm spinner Raza Hasan, who once played a pivotal role in a win against Australia in the 2012 World T20, has seen his career set back sharply once more after being expelled from the Quaid-e-Azam trophy for breaching Covid-19 protocols. According to a PCB release, the 28-year old left the bio-secure hotel where his team, the Northerns 2nd XI, was based. Nadeem Khan, the PCB's High Performance Director, called his actions "irresponsible and damaging".

The PCB has set up bio-secure hotels for both the Quaid-e-Azam trophy teams as well as the second XI sides, with players forbidden from leaving the premises without seeking express permission from the medical staff as well as the High Performance department. Hasan, it appears, did not attempt to obtain clearance from either, which has landed him an effective ban for the rest of the season.

"It is sad and unfortunate that despite several reminders and educational programmes on the significance and importance of respecting and following Covid-19 protocols, Raza Hasan decided to take matters in his hand and overstepped the line," Nadeem Khan said. "As such, he has been expelled from the tournament and will not be allowed for the remaining season.

"The PCB has a zero-tolerance approach towards Covid-19 breaches as these are designed to not only ensure health and safety of all participants but to also demonstrate to the world that we can successfully organise and deliver domestic competitions.

"I sincerely hope Raza Hasan will use this time to reflect on his irresponsible actions and the potential damage his breach could have caused to the event in general and Pakistan cricket in particular."

This is the latest incident in a career that began promising so much, but has so far too long appeared on a path of self-destruction. After making his debut as a 19-year old in T20 cricket in 2012, Hasan was picked for the T20 World Cup, where he memorably returned figures of 4-0-14-2, against Australia removing both Shane Watson and Glenn Maxwell in a Man-of-the-Match performance. Consistency, as well as discipline, however, eluded him, and in 2015, he was banned for two years for testing positive for a prohibited substance.

He was given an opportunity to return when Lahore Qalandars snapped him up in a draft ahead of the 2018 PSL. He played two games without making an impact, or indeed taking a wicket. He was let go after the season, and has been a regular in the Northerns 2nd XI side this season, without quite delivering the standout performances that might hint at a career anywhere near as promising as the one he looked set to have in 2012.