Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been handed a three-month ban from any form of cricket after he tested positive for using banned substances during the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
Nawaz fails doping test
The all-rounder was brought under investigation after it was reported that he had failed a doping test ahead of Pakistan’s World Cup fixture against the Netherlands.
However, the ban is backdated to begin from May 1, the date when Nawaz began voluntary provisional suspension. Additionally, he also agreed to a substance abuse rehabilitation programme, which reduced the ban to one month. Once the programme is completed to the ICC’s satisfaction, Nawaz won’t need to serve the remaining time.
“Nawaz admitted the offence and demonstrated that the substance had been used out-of-competition and in a manner unrelated to sport performance,” an ICC media release said.
“The 32-year-old tested positive for a Substance of Abuse (Carboxy-THC) under the ICC Anti-Doping Code following a doping test carried out after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against the Netherlands in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 7 February.”
Nawaz’s records voided
While the ICC found that the drug was used outside of the World Cup and did not affect his performance, all his records from the day the Netherlands game was played to May 1 have been voided by the ICC as a penalty for the abuse.
“Subject to Nawaz completing a substance abuse treatment programme to the ICC’s satisfaction, Nawaz will not be required to serve any further period of ineligibility. As required by the ICC Anti-Doping Code, Nawaz’s records from the match against the Netherlands on 7 February and in subsequent matches until 1 May 2026 have been disqualified.”
Following the reports of his investigation, Nawaz’s deal with Surrey for the Vitality Blast 2026 fell through. He was then picked up by Galle Gallants in the premier category for the Lanka Premier League during the draft. Nawaz is understood to be eligible to feature in the tournament.
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