Pakistan all-rounder Nawaz under investigation after positive drug test: Reports

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz is under investigation following a positive test for recreational drug use, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.

The 32-year-old, who has represented Pakistan in 98 T20 internationals, is currently undergoing an anti-doping process overseen by the International Cricket Council (ICC). A spokesperson for the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that the board has been formally notified and has initiated due procedure.

“The International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about this matter, and PCB has begun the due process. The results of this process will be communicated to the ICC today,” the spokesperson said on Wednesday, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The positive test is understood to have originated during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. Nawaz featured in all seven matches for Pakistan during the tournament in Sri Lanka, where the team exited at the Super Eight stage. He scored 15 runs and claimed seven wickets in the competition.

The development has also affected Nawaz’s participation in England’s domestic T20 competition. His planned stint with Surrey County Cricket Club for the T20 Blast has been called off. The deal had been agreed in principle, with Nawaz expected to be available for the full duration of the tournament, scheduled from late May to mid-July.

The PCB had earlier granted Nawaz a No-Objection Certificate for the tournament, and Surrey were preparing to formally announce his signing. However, the agreement has now fallen through in light of the ongoing investigation. The club declined to comment on the matter.

Despite the off-field developments, Nawaz has continued to feature in the ongoing Pakistan Super League, turning out regularly for Multan Sultans. He most recently bowled three overs without taking a wicket in their win over Rawalpindi in Karachi.

The ICC has not issued any public comment on the case.