Mohammad Nawaz banned for three months after anti-doping violation during T20 World Cup

LAHORE: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been handed a three-month ban after testing positive for a prohibited substance during the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, with his performances in seven T20 internationals also disqualified.

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Nawaz’s sample tested positive for carboxy-THC, a cannabis metabolite classified under the ICC Anti-Doping Code as a “substance of abuse”.

During disciplinary proceedings, Nawaz admitted to violating the anti-doping regulations but stated that the substance had been consumed outside competition and was not intended to enhance his sporting performance.

The ICC imposed a three-month period of ineligibility. However, after taking Nawaz’s voluntary provisional suspension into account, the governing body lifted the temporary suspension after two-and-a-half months. The ban came into effect from May 1, 2026.

The ICC also ruled that all of Nawaz’s results recorded between February 7 and May 1, 2026, including his performance against the Netherlands during the T20 World Cup, would be disqualified.

During that period, Nawaz featured in seven T20 internationals, scoring 15 runs and claiming seven wickets. Those performances have now been removed from his official career record.

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The ICC clarified that carboxy-THC is a metabolite used to detect cannabis consumption. It does not produce intoxicating or psychological effects and is not regarded as a performance-enhancing substance.

Under the ICC ruling, Nawaz may have the remainder of his suspension waived if he successfully completes an approved substance-abuse treatment programme.