Breaking News: Mohammad Nawaz Fails Drug Test — PCB & ICC Launch Investigation

Pakistan CricketPSL 2026T20 World Cup

Breaking News

Mohammad Nawaz Fails Drug Test—PCB and ICC Launch Investigation

Cricket  PK

Pakistan Cricket · Anti-Doping

The big news is here for you that Pakistan's experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has tested positive for a recreational drug. He is now facing an ICC anti-doping process  of the icc and his contract to play for Surrey in England's T20 Blast has also been cancelled.

Current Status

Under Probe

Both ICC and PCB active

When Was Test Taken

T20 WC 2026

Sample taken in Sri Lanka

T20I Matches Played

98

For Pakistan

Surrey Deal

Cancelled

Out of T20 Blast 2026

The Full Story

What Exactly Happened? Here Is Everything You Need to Know

Pakistan cricket has been hit by a major scandal today. ESPNcricinfo has revealed that Pakistan left-arm spinner and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has tested positive for a recreational drug. The drug test was done during the T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka, when Pakistan was knocked out at the Super Eight stage.

To make things worse Nawaz had signed a contract to play for Surrey county in England's famous T20 Blast tournament. PCB had already given him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) and Surrey was about to officially announce his signing this week. But now the deal is completely off. The ICC informed the PCB, the PCB started its investigation, and Surrey has also refused to make any comment on the matter.

PCB's official statement: 

"The International Cricket Council has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board about this matter.The PCB has started the due process and the results will be shared with the ICC today." PCB Spokesperson, ESPNcricinfo

Timeline

What Happened and When — The Full Sequence

February 2026

T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka: Nawaz played all seven matches for Pakistan scored 15 runs and took 7 wickets. His drug test samples were collected during this tournament.

Early April 2026

PCB issued Nawaz a No-Objection Certificate to play for Surrey. The county was ready to officially announce his signing this week. The T20 Blast was scheduled from 26 May to 18 July.

22 April 2026 — Today

ICC informed PCB about the positive test. PCB launched its investigation. Surrey deal cancelled immediately. ESPNcricinfo broke the story to the world.

Player Profile

Who Is Mohammad Nawaz? His Career at a Glance

Mohammad Nawaz is 32 years old and was born in Rawalpindi. He is a left-arm orthodox spinner and a useful lower-order batsman. He has played 98 T20Is, 44 ODIs, and 6 Test matches for Pakistan. In the ongoing PSL season he has been a key player for Multan Sultans. At the T20 World Cup 2026, he was one of Pakistan's best performers, picking up 7 wickets across 7 games.

"Nawaz had proven himself as a valuable all-rounder in T20 cricket contributing with spin, batting, and fielding. But today's news raises serious questions about his entire career going forward."

— CricketZone PK Analysis

What Happens Next

ICC Anti-Doping Process — What Punishment Can He Face?

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ICC Hearing

Nawaz can present his case in front of an ICC anti-doping tribunal. A proper hearing is always held in recreational drug cases.

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Possible Ban

Under the ICC anti-doping code, a ban of up to 2 years is possible for recreational drug violations depending on the severity of the case.

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PSL Status

The investigation is ongoing. Nawaz is currently playing for Multan Sultans in PSL 2026. His status depends on PCB's final decision.

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Surrey Deal Over

His England T20 Blast contract is fully cancelled. Surrey has declined to make any comment on the matter.

Final Conclusion:

In conclusion, this case has quickly become one of the most serious and high-impact controversies in recent Pakistan cricket history. The ongoing investigations by the ICC and PCB will be crucial in determining the future of Mohammad Nawaz and ensuring that anti-doping rules are applied fairly and strictly. 

At this stage, nothing is confirmed, and all decisions will depend on evidence, hearings, and due process. For fans and the cricketing community, the expectation is clear a transparent and unbiased outcome that protects the integrity of the game. This incident has already affected Nawaz’s international and franchise career, including his cancelled Surrey deal. Ultimately, the final verdict will decide whether this becomes a temporary setback or a defining downfall in his cricket journey.