Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been sanctioned with a three-month ban after testing positive for a cannabis metabolite [1].
The suspension impacts one of Pakistan's key versatile players and highlights the International Cricket Council's (ICC) strict adherence to its anti-doping protocols during major tournaments.
Nawaz breached the ICC anti-doping code after a test detected Carboxy-THC [2], which is a metabolite of cannabis. This substance is prohibited under the governing body's regulations [3]. The sanction was announced July 17 [4].
According to reports, the breach occurred during the 2026 T20 World Cup [5]. To account for the timing of the violation, the ICC back-dated the three-month ban to May [6].
Nawaz said the use of the substance was unrelated to his sporting performance [7]. Despite the lack of performance-enhancing intent, the presence of the prohibited metabolite triggered the mandatory disciplinary process.
The ICC maintains a rigorous testing regime to ensure fair play and athlete health. While some substances are flagged for performance enhancement, the cannabis-related ban reflects a broad mandate to keep the sport free of prohibited substances, regardless of their intended use [3].
“Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been sanctioned with a three-month ban”
This sanction underscores the ICC's zero-tolerance approach to prohibited substances, regardless of whether they provide a competitive advantage. By back-dating the ban, the ICC ensures the penalty aligns with the period of the violation, while the public nature of the sanction serves as a deterrent for other athletes during high-profile events like the T20 World Cup.
