ICC punishes Pakistan's Mohammad Nawaz with 3-month ban after failing dope test

Mohammad Nawaz, the Pakistan allrounder, has accepted an ICC sanction for a doping violation.

During the ICC men's T20 World Cup earlier this year, Nawaz tested positive for carboxy THC, a substance classified under the ICC Anti-Doping Code as abuse. Following a doping test after Pakistan's match against the Netherlands in Colombo, the 32-year-old left-arm spinner admitted to the offence. He demonstrated that the substance was taken out of competition and not intended to enhance performance, leading to a backdated ineligibility starting from May 1, 2026, when he accepted provisional suspension.

The ICC imposed a three-month ban on Nawaz, potentially reducible to one month upon successful completion of a substance abuse treatment programme. His provisional suspension was lifted after accepting the sanction and agreeing to undergo treatment. The case has been under investigation since April, impacting Nawaz’s involvement with Surrey in England’s T20 Blast, which fell through amid the ongoing inquiry.

This episode highlights the strict regulations and oversight maintained by the ICC to ensure fair play and integrity in cricket. Nawaz’s cooperation and admission of the offence reflect the mechanisms in place for addressing doping violations within the sport.

While the sanction limits his participation temporarily, Nawaz’s adherence to treatment and rules demonstrates a commitment to return to the game cleanly. The ICC’s clear stance on doping violations aims to deter substance abuse and maintain a level playing field for all players.