Karachi, April 2026 — Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has come under formal investigation by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after testing positive for recreational drug use, sources confirmed. The result, stemming from routine screening during the ICC T20 World Cup earlier this year, has prompted the PCB to initiate due process in accordance with international anti-doping regulations.
The PCB confirmed it had been officially notified by the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the positive test and is currently conducting its investigation. While no final decision has been made, Nawaz has been temporarily sidelined from representing Pakistan in ongoing and upcoming competitions.
The repercussions of the investigation were immediate for Nawaz’s international commitments. His planned stint with Surrey in England’s T20 Blast tournament has been cancelled, leaving fans and teammates surprised by the sudden development. Nawaz, 32, has been a consistent presence in Pakistan’s T20 side, featuring in 98 matches, and is a regular in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), recently representing Multan Sultans.
The PCB emphasized that the investigation will follow a transparent and fair process, in line with ICC and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) protocols. “Our priority is to ensure that all players adhere to professional standards and that any breach is addressed appropriately,” a PCB spokesperson said.
This case comes at a delicate time for Pakistan cricket, which is preparing for several international T20 series this summer. The PCB has urged calm and assured fans that the integrity of the team and its players remains a top priority.
Analysts note that while recreational drug use is not widespread in international cricket, cases like Nawaz’s underline the increasing scrutiny athletes face both on and off the field. The cricketing community now watches closely as the PCB’s investigation unfolds.
