ICC hands Mohammad Nawaz three-month doping ban, annuls seven T20I performances

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

According to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision, Nawaz’s sample tested positive for carboxy-THC during the tournament. The substance is classified under anti-doping regulations as a “substance of abuse”.

Nawaz admitted violating the ICC Anti-Doping Code but maintained during the proceedings that the prohibited substance had been consumed outside competition and was not intended to enhance his sporting performance.

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

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

Nawaz played seven T20 internationals during the period, taking seven wickets and scoring 15 runs. Following the ICC ruling, those performances have been removed from his official record.

Carboxy-THC is a metabolite used to establish cannabis consumption. It does not itself produce intoxicating or psychological effects and is not considered a performance-enhancing substance.

Under the ruling, Nawaz may have the remaining period of his ineligibility waived if he successfully completes a substance-abuse treatment programme.