New Delhi: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has submitted his response to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following positive dope test during the T20 World Cup 2026.
Nawaz asserted that he did not intentionally consume the banned substance during the marquee T20 event in India and Sri Lanka earlier in the year. A source within the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed to news agency PTI on Thursday hat Nawaz has denied intentionally using any banned substance or recreational drugs.
Used some medicines for health-related issue
The source further claimed that he had used some medicines for a health-related issue but didn’t take any drugs. Currently, the Pakistan cricketer is under investigation by the ICC and the PCB for alleges use of recreational drugs during the World Cup after returning a positive result in a random test conducted by the authorities.
As far as his professional commitments matter, the left-arm spinner has been allowed to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Multan Sultans but the global cricketing body will inform the PCB on the next course of action in a few days.
What happens if ICC is not satisfied?
If the ICC is not satisfied with his explanation, Nawaz could face a complete ban from international cricket, with the global body maintaining a strict stance on the use of banned substances and recreational drugs by players. The all- rounder, who is a regular member of the national T20 squad, has also been questioned by PCB officials.
Pakistan cricket has also earlier been hit by doping scandals as back in 2006, pacers Mohammad Asif and Shoaib Akhtar tested positive for a banned substance and were sent home from the ICC Champions Trophy in India. Although both were initially handed bans, a committee overturned the sanctions in December that year after their appeals.
(With PTI inputs)