New Delhi: All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz is under investigation by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following a positive test for recreational drug use. This incident has disrupted Nawaz’s plans to participate in the T20 Blast for Surrey in England, leading to the cancellation of the agreement.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the positive test was identified through a sample collected during the T20 World Cup held earlier this year. The 32-year-old was instrumental in Pakistan’s performance in the tournament, where he played in all seven matches and contributed 15 runs while taking seven wickets. Pakistan was eliminated in the Super Eight stage of the competition. The International Cricket Council (ICC) notified the PCB about the positive result, prompting the initiation of an investigation.
“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,” a PCB spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo.
Nawaz’s Surrey Deal Cancelled
Initially, Nawaz had secured a contract with Surrey for the entire duration of the T20 Blast, scheduled from May 26 to July 18. Just two weeks prior, the PCB issued Nawaz a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the deal, and Surrey was poised to announce his signing officially. However, the ongoing investigation has led to the dissolution of the agreement. Surrey has not yet released a public statement regarding this development or confirmed a replacement.
Despite the setback in England, Nawaz continues to be a significant player for the Multan Sultans in the current Pakistan Super League (PSL) season. Recently, he participated in a match that saw Multan secure a six-wicket victory over Rawalpindi, although he bowled three overs without taking any wickets. Multan Sultans currently sit second in the standings, with six victories from eight matches.
The ICC has refrained from making further comments on the situation, leaving the outcome of the investigation and Nawaz’s future in international cricket uncertain.
