The Pakistan cricket fraternity is reeling from a massive scandal as star all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has reportedly failed a drug test. According to a report, the 32-year-old tested positive for the use of recreational drugs.
This revelation has sent shockwaves through the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) and has immediately derailed his international professional commitments, including a high-profile stint in the English county circuit.
Surrey Deal Collapses Amidst ICC Notification
The fallout from the test results was swift. Nawaz, who had recently secured a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to join Surrey for the upcoming T20 Blast, has seen that deal completely collapse. Surrey was expected to officially announce his signing this week, but the investigation has put an end to his summer plans in England.
The PCB confirmed that they were alerted to the matter by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and are currently following due process, with a formal report expected to be submitted to the world governing body today.
World Cup Origins: The Timeline of the Test
The positive result is reportedly linked to a sample collected during the 2026 T20 World Cup held earlier this year in India and Sri Lanka. Nawaz was a key fixture in the Pakistan squad, playing all seven matches before their Super 8s exit.
Despite his active participation in the current PSL season for the Multan Sultans, including a performance against Rawalpindi on Tuesday night, his form has been notably inconsistent. This investigation now places his future with both the national team and the Sultans in serious jeopardy.
PCB and ICC Coordination on Sanctions
While recreational drugs ranging from cannabis to synthetic substances are often distinguished from performance-enhancing drugs, they still fall under the strict anti-doping and conduct codes of the ICC and PCB.
A board spokesperson stated that they are working closely with the ICC to determine the next steps. This development adds to a turbulent week for cricket in the region, coming alongside match-fixing probes involving Cricket Canada and security concerns for players in the T20 World Cup