The 32-year-old tested positive for Carboxy-THC, classified as a “Substance of Abuse”, following a doping test conducted after Pakistan’s opening match of the 2026 T20 World Cup against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7. Nawaz took two wickets and scored six runs as Pakistan secured a three-wicket victory.
Nawaz has accepted a three-month period of ineligibility. However, the ban will be reduced to one month if he successfully completes a Substance of Abuse treatment programme.
The Pakistan all-rounder admitted the anti-doping violation but clarified that the substance was not consumed for sporting performance purposes.
The three-month sanction was backdated to May 1, 2026, when Nawaz began a voluntary provisional suspension. He has already served approximately two and a half months of the suspension.
In line with the ICC Anti-Doping Code, Nawaz’s performance in the match against the Netherlands, along with his statistics from all subsequent matches until May 1, 2026, have been disqualified.
A veteran of 198 international appearances for Pakistan, Nawaz last featured in professional cricket during the 2026 Pakistan Super League for Multan Sultans. He played 10 matches for the franchise, scoring 54 runs and taking six wickets.
Pakistan are now preparing for a busy Test schedule, beginning with a two-match tour of the West Indies before travelling to England for a three-match series. Babar Azam has been reinstated as captain for both tours as part of a much-changed Pakistan squad.
The first Test against the West Indies is scheduled to begin on July 25 at the Brian Lara Stadium.
