ICC’s big decision, star all-rounder banned for taking drugs

New Delhi: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been charged with violating the ICC Anti-Doping Code after a test conducted during the 2026 T-20 World Cup. He was banned for three months, which was reduced to one month after he promised to complete a substance abuse treatment program approved by the ICC.

32-year-old Nawaz was tested for doping after the ICC Men’s T-20 World Cup 2026 match against Netherlands in Colombo, Sri Lanka on February 7, in which he was found positive for ‘Substance of Abuse’ (Carboxy-THC) under the ICC Anti-Doping Code. The ICC media release stated:

Nawaz admitted his mistake and proved that the substance was not used during the competition and had nothing to do with sports performance. If Nawaz completes a drug abuse treatment program to the ICC’s satisfaction, he will not have to serve any further punishment. Under the ICC Anti-Doping Code, Nawaz’s records for the match against Netherlands on February 7 and subsequent matches till May 1, 2026 have been invalidated.

Most of the three-month suspension sentence completed
Nawaz was under investigation after testing positive for drug use during the T20 World Cup earlier this year, which led to his contract with Surrey being canceled for the T20 Blast in England. He was required to be available for Surrey between May 26 and July 18, a period covered by his three-month suspension.

Played all 7 matches for Pakistan in World Cup
Nawaz played all seven matches during Pakistan’s World Cup campaign. He also played every match for his PSL team Multan Sultans, the most recent match of which was on 29 April. Pakistan did not have any white-ball matches during the period of Nawaz’s ineligibility. Although Nawaz has played six Test matches, the last one was about four years ago and Pakistan sees him primarily as a white-ball specialist.