Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been suspended for three months after testing positive for a banned substance during the 2026 T20 World Cup. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also invalidated his performances in seven T20 international matches from the official records.
The ICC’s findings revealed that Nawaz’s sample contained carboxy-THC, a metabolite indicating cannabis use, which falls under the category of a “substance of abuse” anti-doping regulations. Notably, carboxy-THC itself does not have intoxicating or performance-enhancing effects.
While Nawaz accepted breaching the ICC Anti-Doping Code, he explained that the substance was consumed outside of competition and was not intended to improve his sporting abilities. Initially, the ICC imposed a three-month ineligibility period starting May 1, 2026.
In a significant development, the ICC lifted Nawaz’s provisional suspension after two and a half months, crediting his voluntary provisional suspension during the process. Meanwhile, all his results from February 7 to May 1, 2026, including his performance against the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup, have been disqualified.
During this timeframe, Nawaz participated in seven T20 internationals, taking seven wickets and scoring 15 runs. Following the ICC’s decision, these statistics have been erased from his official career records.
Under the ruling, Nawaz may have the remainder of his suspension lifted if he successfully completes a substance-abuse treatment program, offering a path to early reinstatement.
