Pakistan cricket all-rounder Muhammad Nawaz has received a sanction from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for violating anti-doping rules. The case came to light after a positive test for a banned recreational substance during the T20 World Cup 2026.
Nawaz, 32, is a useful left-arm spinner and handy batter. He has played 6 Tests, 44 ODIs, and 98 T20Is for Pakistan since his debut in 2016. He played all matches for Pakistan in the recent T20 World Cup, taking 7 wickets.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared Nawaz’s full medical history with the ICC to help with the investigation. Nawaz explained that he used some medicines for a health issue and denied intentionally taking any banned drugs. The ICC is strict about such matters to keep cricket clean and fair for all players.
This incident follows past doping cases involving Pakistani players like Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, and Yasir Shah. For recreational substances detected in competition, penalties can range from a warning to several months of suspension, depending on the details.
The sanction serves as an important reminder for all athletes. Strict anti-doping rules help protect the spirit of the game.
