Pakistan Spinner Mohammad Nawaz Sanctioned By ICC For Breaching Anti-Doping Code
Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been sanctioned by the ICC for breaching its Anti-Doping Code. He tested positive for Carboxy-THC, a banned recreational substance, during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. On July 17, 2026, Nawaz accepted a three-month period of ineligibility, backdated to May 1, 2026, which will be reduced to one month upon.
Pakistan's cricket fraternity is once again under the scanner as all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching its Anti-Doping Code. The 32-year-old left-arm spinner, born on March 21, 1994, tested positive for Carboxy-THC, a banned recreational substance. The violation occurred following a doping test after the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 match against the Netherlands in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on February 7. How India and Pakistan Could Play Each Other Thrice in ICC ODI World Cup 2027?.
On July 17, 2026, the ICC announced that Nawaz had accepted a three-month period of ineligibility, backdated to May 1, 2026, when he commenced a voluntary provisional suspension. This ban will be further reduced to one month upon his successful completion of a substance of abuse treatment programme to the ICC's satisfaction. The ICC had delegated the initial probe to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for logistical reasons, and the PCB's medical panel completed its investigation, submitting a comprehensive report to the ICC for final adjudication earlier.
Potential Consequences and Precedent
Nawaz's acceptance of the sanction means he has already served a two-and-a-half-month suspension due to his provisional suspension, which has now been lifted. Subject to completing the treatment programme, he will not be required to serve any further period of ineligibility. Experts, including Dr. Waqar Ahmad, founder chairman of the Anti-Doping Organisation of Pakistan, have clarified that while there is no punishment for recreational substance use outside of competition, detection during a tournament can lead to disciplinary action, with consequences ranging from a simple reprimand to a suspension.
This incident casts a shadow over Nawaz's career and adds another chapter to Pakistan cricket's history of anti-doping challenges. The ICC's stance on doping is one of zero-tolerance, emphasizing that all international cricketers are personally responsible for ensuring the integrity of what they consume. As a result of the violation, Nawaz's individual records from the match against the Netherlands on February 7 and in all subsequent matches until May 1, 2026, have been disqualified. Pakistan Squad for West Indies and England Tours Announced: Babar Azam Reinstated As Test Captain; Shaheen Shah Afridi Dropped.
A Troubled History of Doping in Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan cricket has faced numerous doping scandals over the years, with several high-profile players receiving sanctions. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the continuous battle against prohibited substances in the sport:
Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif (2006): Both fast bowlers tested positive for Nandrolone, an anabolic steroid, ahead of the 2006 Champions Trophy. Initially banned, their suspensions were later overturned on appeal.
Mohammad Asif (2008): Asif faced another ban, this time for one year, after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance during the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Abdur Rehman (2012): The left-arm orthodox spinner received a 12-week ban for using cannabis while playing for Somerset in the English County Championship.
Raza Hasan (2015): Left-arm spinner Raza Hasan was banned for two years by the PCB after testing positive for cocaine during a domestic tournament.
Yasir Shah (2016): Leg-spinner Yasir Shah received a three-month ban after a sample collected in November 2015 revealed the presence of chlortalidone, a diuretic and masking agent. The ICC showed leniency, accepting his explanation that he had mistakenly taken his wife's blood pressure medication.
Ahmed Shehzad (2018): The opening batsman was handed a four-month ban by the PCB for violating anti-doping rules, reportedly for marijuana/cannabinoids.
Mohammad Nawaz's sanction reinforces the persistent challenges cricket faces in maintaining a clean sport. His immediate future in international cricket now depends on completing the mandated treatment programme and adhering to anti-doping regulations. The cricket world will undoubtedly watch closely as Nawaz aims to make a return to the field.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 01:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).