Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has accepted a sanction under the ICC Anti-Doping Code after testing positive for a prohibited substance during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The 32-year-old left-arm spinner was handed a three-month period of ineligibility, although the suspension could be reduced to one month upon the successful completion of a substance abuse treatment programme.
Nawaz tested positive for Carboxy-THC, classified as a “Substance of Abuse” under the ICC Anti-Doping Code, following a doping test conducted after Pakistan’s World Cup match against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7. The spinner admitted to the offence and demonstrated that the substance had been consumed out of competition and in a manner unrelated to enhancing sporting performance.
The ICC said Nawaz’s period of ineligibility had been backdated to May 1, 2026, the date on which he voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension. According to the governing body, the punishment can be reduced provided the Pakistan cricketer successfully completes a treatment programme approved by the ICC.
NAWAZ AVOIDS LONGER BAN AFTER ACCEPTING OFFENCE
Having already served two and a half months under provisional suspension, Nawaz is unlikely to miss any additional cricket if he satisfies the ICC’s rehabilitation requirements. The governing body confirmed that his provisional suspension had been lifted after he accepted the sanction and agreed to undergo treatment.
“Further to accepting the sanction and committing to the substance of abuse treatment programme, Nawaz’s provisional suspension has been lifted after having served a two and a half (2 ) month suspension,” the ICC said in a statement.
“Subject to Nawaz completing a substance of abuse treatment programme to the ICC’s satisfaction, Nawaz will not be required to serve any further period of ineligibility.”
As required under the ICC Anti-Doping Code, Nawaz’s records from Pakistan’s clash against the Netherlands and all subsequent matches up to May 1 have been disqualified. The all-rounder had been under investigation since April, with reports at the time suggesting that his planned stint with Surrey in England’s T20 Blast had fallen through because of the ongoing anti-doping process.
Nawaz, who made his international debut in 2016, has been a key member of Pakistan’s white-ball setup over the past decade. The Rawalpindi-born cricketer has represented his country across all three formats and played an important role in Pakistan’s run to the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.
– Ends
