Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council for breaching the ICC Anti-Doping Code [1].
The suspension affects one of Pakistan's key spinning options and highlights the strict enforcement of prohibited substance protocols during major international tournaments.
Nawaz tested positive for carboxy-THC, a metabolite of cannabis, during a test conducted during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 [3, 4]. The substance is classified as prohibited under the governing body's anti-doping regulations [1].
According to the ICC, the player received a three-month ban [1]. While some reports suggested a three-match suspension [2], the official governing body records a three-month term. This sanction was back-dated to May 2026 [5].
The ban was formally announced in early June 2026 [5]. Nawaz admitted to the anti-doping violation following the positive test result [1, 3].
The incident occurred during the high-pressure environment of the 2026 T20 World Cup, where players undergo rigorous testing to ensure fair competition [4]. The ICC said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding prohibited substances to protect the integrity of the sport [1].
“Mohammad Nawaz has been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council for breaching the ICC Anti-Doping Code.”
The sanction of a prominent national player during a World Cup underscores the ICC's commitment to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards. Because the ban was back-dated to May, the player may return to competition sooner than a June start date would suggest, but the admission of the breach leaves the player's reputation subject to scrutiny within the Pakistani cricket circuit.
