Mohammad Nawaz has reportedly been investigated by the Pakistan Cricket Board after testing positive for recreational drug use during the 2026 T20 World Cup.
According to an ESPNCricinfo report, the sample in question was collected during a global tournament earlier this year where Nawaz was part of the Pakistan team. The development cast a shadow over his immediate playing future and raised new concerns about player conduct and compliance with anti-doping rules.
The 32-year-old all-rounder was given a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to take part in England’s T20 Blast and was set to join Surrey. The county party was expected to officially announce his signing this week. However, the report suggests that the deal has now been scrapped in light of the investigation, effectively knocking Nawaz out of the running for the time being.
Nawaz was a regular in Pakistan’s World Cup campaign in all seven matches the team reached Super eight stage before elimination. While he managed just 15 runs with the bat, he contributed with the ball by picking up seven wickets, underscoring his role as a useful all-rounder in the team.
Despite the off-field controversy, Nawaz continued to feature in the ongoing Pakistan Super League, representing Multan Sultans. Most recently in a three-wicket win over Rawalpindi in Karachi, which suggests there is no imminent break in his involvement at domestic level.
The PCB has yet to issue an official statement regarding the reported positive test and the timeline for the investigation remains unclear. If the findings are upheld, Nawaz could face disciplinary action under the council’s anti-doping regulations, although the exact nature of any sanction will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
The situation also reflects a controversial moment in Pakistan’s cricketing history. In 1993, four prominent players — Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Aaqib Javed and Mushtaq Ahmed – were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana on tour, underlining that such off-field controversies are not without precedent.
With Nawaz’s case now under scrutiny, further clarification is expected in the coming days as the PCB completes its investigation and outlines the next course of action.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
22 Apr 2026 15:31 IST
