Key Takeaways
- Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been suspended by the ICC.
- He tested positive for Carboxy-THC during the T20 World Cup 2026.
- The ban is backdated to May 1, 2026, and can be reduced with treatment.
Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been handed a three-month suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following an anti-doping violation during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The substance, Carboxy-THC, was found in his system after Pakistan's match against the Netherlands on February 7.
According to the ICC, Nawaz admitted to using the substance out of competition and unrelated to enhancing sporting performance. As a result, he has been banned from all cricket activities until August 1, 2026, with the ban backdated to May 1, 2026, when he voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension.
The ICC stated that Nawaz's provisional suspension has now been lifted after he had already served approximately two and a half months. He is required to complete a substance abuse treatment programme in order for his ban to be reduced to one month upon successful completion.
Nawaz played all seven matches of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign, scoring 15 runs and taking seven wickets as the team reached the Super Eights before being eliminated. His suspension means he will miss upcoming international fixtures for Pakistan.
The ICC Anti-Doping Code stipulates that all individual results from Nawaz's match against the Netherlands on February 7 until May 1 have been disqualified, impacting his performance record during the tournament.
In a statement released by the ICC, they emphasized their commitment to maintaining fair play and ensuring compliance with anti-doping regulations. The governing body stated, 'We take such violations very seriously and will continue to work towards a clean sport environment.'
Nawaz's suspension is a significant setback for Pakistan’s cricket team, who were hoping for his contributions in upcoming matches. His absence could affect the team's strategy and performance going forward.
The ICC has provided support to Nawaz through their rehabilitation programme, which aims to help players address substance abuse issues. The governing body hopes that with proper treatment, Nawaz can return to competitive cricket in a healthier state.
