Mohammad Nawaz banned for breaching ICC anti-doping code

Pakistan’s left-arm spin bowling all-rounder, Mohammad Nawaz, has accepted the three-month period of ineligibility, which will be reduced by two months on completion of a substance of abuse treatment programme for breaching the anti-doping code of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Nawaz last played a game on April 29 for the Multan Sultans against the Hyderabad Kingsmen during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. He didn’t pick up a single wicket in his last three clashes of the event, besides not bowling against the Karachi Kings.

Nawaz handed a 3-month ban after testing Positive for carboxy-THC at the T20 World Cup 2026

Nawaz was under investigation after a positive test for recreational drug use during the T20 World Cup 2026, as it resulted in his deal to join Surrey for the T20 Blast 2026 falling through. He was scheduled to be part of the side between May 26 and July 18.

“Nawaz admitted the offence and demonstrated that the substance had been used out-of-competition and in a manner unrelated to sport performance. 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.” The ICC media release expressed.

“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 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.” The statement added.

Nawaz played all seven games during Pakistan’s T20 WC 2026 campaign along with the PSL games for the Sultans. He is primarily seen as their white-ball specialist and hasn’t played any Test match for nearly four years.

Pakistan to face West Indies in two-match Test series

The Pakistan side is currently in the Caribbean as they prepare themselves for the upcoming two-match Test series against West Indies. After the tour encounter on July 18 in Tarouba, the opening Test match will take place at the same venue from July 25 against the Roston Chase-led side. The second Test will be from August 02 at the Port of Spain in Trinidad.

After a break of around 13 days, the Babar Azam-led side will be playing a three-match Test series in England. The opening clash will be from August 19 at Headingley while the second fixture is from August 27 at Lord’s.

The third and final game will be from September 09 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.