Pakistan cricket team bowler Mohammad Nawaz has been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the Anti-Doping Code. The spinner was found guilty after he was tested positive for substance abuse during the T20 World Cup 2026 in which Pakistan were knocked out in the Super 8 stage. As a result of testing positive for the use of a prohibited substance, Nawaz was handed a three-month suspension by the ICC.
Pakistan’s Nawaz suspended for breaching Anti-Doping Code
As per a release issued by the ICC, the 32-year-old had tested positive for Carboxy-THC (a Substance of Abuse) when a doping test was carried out after Pakistan’s game against Netherlands on February 7 in the T20 World Cup 2026. The Pakistan spinner admitted to the offence and told the ICC that the usage of the substance had not been related to performance in the sport. The ICC decided to hand him a three-month suspension for breaching the Anti-Doping Code, with the sentence backdated to May 1.
Carboxy-THC is a byproduct that a body makes after breaking down THC. When one uses cannabis, the liver turns THC into inactive carboxy-THC. This substance stays in the system for weeks, which is why it is the main target for urine drug tests.
The Pakistan bowler commenced his suspension from May 1 onwards. He also committed to joining a rehabilitation programme. The ICC release states that his suspension has now been lifted after he served a two-and-a-half month sentence. Since the ICC is satisfied with Nawaz completing the substance of abuse rehabilitation process, it has decided that he will not be required to complete the rest of the three-month sentence.
Nawaz made his debut for Pakistan across formats in 2016 and was last seen in action for the country in the T20 World Cup. He took part in Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) after the conclusion of the marquee tournament where he picked up 6 wickets and scored 54 runs from 10 matches while playing for Multan Sultans. However, the ICC has decided that the bowler’s records from the game against Netherlands (where he tested positive) to May 1, 2026 have been disqualified.
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