The new villain of Pakistan cricket… This all-rounder was taking drugs during the World Cup, his career could be ruined.

New Delhi. Pakistan cricket is once again in the headlines due to controversies outside the field. The routine test conducted during the 2026 T20 World Cup has created a stir in the Pakistani camp. The team’s experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been found positive for consumption of ‘recreational drugs’. After this revelation, not only is his career at stake, but the Pakistan Cricket Board is also facing embarrassment on the international stage.

According to the report of ESPN Cricinfo, Nawaz’s sample was found positive in the regular test conducted by ICC during the World Cup. As soon as this news was confirmed, PCB has officially started an internal investigation into the matter. 32-year-old Mohammad Nawaz participated in all seven matches of Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026 held in Sri Lanka. However, the team’s performance was disappointing and they were eliminated from the ‘Super 8’ stage itself. Nawaz’s individual performance was also average, where he scored only 15 runs and took seven wickets in the entire tournament.

PCB issued statement
On Wednesday, a PCB spokesperson issued a statement on this serious issue and said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board about this matter. The Board has started the process as per its rules and the results of this investigation will be informed to the ICC today itself. This matter has come at a time when Pakistani cricket is trying to regain its lost credibility. The name of an experienced player like Nawaz being involved in the drugs controversy raises big questions on the discipline of the team.

Clouds of uncertainty over career and contract snatched from Surrey
Mohammad Nawaz has been an important part of Pakistan’s white-ball setup. With the experience of 98 T20 International matches, he is known for his left arm spin and useful lower order batting in the team. But this controversy has brought his career to such a turning point from where it will not be easy to make a comeback. The impact of this doping controversy is immediately visible on the future of Nawaz in international and foreign leagues.

outside Surrey County
Nawaz was to join England’s famous club ‘Surrey County Cricket Club’ for the T20 Blast this summer. He had also received No Objection Certificate (NOC) from PCB for this. According to reports, his contract with Surrey has been broken as soon as the news of the drug test came out. Now he will not be able to be a part of county cricket this season.

future in danger
The surprising thing is that even amidst this serious investigation, Mohammad Nawaz is representing Multan Sultans in Pakistan Super League (PSL). In the recent match against Rawalpindi in Karachi, he bowled three overs, in which he did not get any wicket. Although his team won the match by 6 wickets, the danger looming on Nawaz’s face can clearly be seen. There are strict provisions for punishment in case of violation of anti-doping rules. If Nawaz is found guilty in the investigation, the following action may be taken against him. He may be banned from international cricket for one or two years. PCB can impose heavy fine on him and cancel his central contract for future. At the age of 32, a long ban could end Nawaz’s career prematurely.