Pakistan spinner Mohammad Nawaz sanctioned for breaching ICC Anti-Doping Code
New Delhi, July 17
Pakistan left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz has accepted a three-month period of ineligibility for breaching the ICC Anti-Doping Code, according to an ICC Media release.
The 32-year-old tested positive for a Substance of Abuse (Carboxy-THC) under the ICC Anti-Doping Code following a doping test carried out after the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 match against the Netherlands in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 7 February.
Nawaz admitted the offence and demonstrated that the substance had been used out-of-competition and in a manner unrelated to sport performance.
As a result, he has been handed a three-month period of ineligibility, backdated to 1 May 2026, being the date he started a voluntary provisional suspension, and reduced to one month on the completion of a substance abuse treatment programme, according to the ICC media release.
Further to accepting the sanction and committing to the substance abuse treatment programme, Nawaz's provisional suspension has been lifted after having served a two-and-a-half (2 1/2 ) month suspension.
Subject to Nawaz completing a substance of abuse treatment programme to the ICC's satisfaction, Nawaz will not be required to serve any further period of ineligibility, according to the ICC media release.
As required by the ICC Anti-Doping Code, Nawaz's records from the match against the Netherlands on 7 February and in subsequent matches until 1 May 2026 have been disqualified.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honest mistake or not, rules are rules. Three months ban seems reasonable given it was out of competition and unrelated to performance. But these cricketers need to be more careful - one wrong substance can ruin your career. Hope he learns from this.
Carboxy-THC? That's marijuana. I understand it's a personal choice, but when you're representing your country in an international tournament, you have to be extra careful. The backdated ban and treatment program sound fair though. Wishing him well.
Respect to Nawaz for accepting the sanction and agreeing to the treatment program instead of fighting it. Takes guts to admit a mistake. The matches being disqualified is a tough lesson but necessary. Hopefully this serves as a warning to all cricketers. 🙏
Yeh sab kya chal raha hai? 😅 A 32-year-old experienced player should know better. But I appreciate the ICC being transparent about the process. At least Pakistan cricket is taking this seriously. Hope our players also learn from this - no shortcuts in sports.
The fact that it was out of competition and reduced to one month with treatment shows the system is about rehabilitation, not just punishment. Substance abuse is a serious issue, and I'm glad cricket is addressing it with care. More power to Nawaz for accepting help.
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