Pakistan player, who played in T20 World Cup, Tests Positive for Recreational Drug Use amid PSL 2026

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz is currently under investigation by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following a positive test for recreational drug use.

The 32-year-old, who has represented Pakistan in 98 T20 Internationals, tested positive from samples collected during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which was held in India and Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Nawaz featured in all seven of Pakistan’s matches in the tournament, where the team—led by Salman Agha—was eliminated at the Super Eight stage. He contributed 15 runs and took seven wickets across those games, including Pakistan’s high-profile clash against India in Colombo on February 15.

The ICC has declined to comment on the matter.

Impact on Nawaz’s Overseas Deal

The positive test has already had immediate professional repercussions. Nawaz had agreed terms to join English county side Surrey for the 2026 T20 Blast, scheduled to run from May 26 to July 18. The PCB had granted him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) just two weeks ago, and Surrey was set to announce the signing this week. However, the deal has now collapsed, and Nawaz will not travel to England this summer. Surrey declined to comment when approached.

Nawaz’s Ongoing Domestic Commitments

Despite the investigation, Nawaz remains an active participant in domestic cricket. He continues to play for Multan Sultans in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 season. Most recently, he bowled three wicketless overs in Multan Sultans’ six-wicket victory over Rawalpindiz in Karachi on Tuesday night.

No further details have been released regarding the specific substance involved, the exact date of the test sample, or any potential sanctions. The PCB’s disciplinary process is underway, and further updates are expected once the results are formally shared with the ICC.