ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Wednesday that all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz is being investigated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after a positive test for recreational drug use.
Nawaz, 32, is a key all-rounder who regularly plays for Pakistan’s T20 squad. Cricket website ESPNcricinfo reported that the positive result came when the player was tested during the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Nawaz played in all seven of Pakistan’s matches in the World Cup that took place in Sri Lanka.
The report said the ICC informed the PCB about the test results, adding that the Pakistani board has begun the “due process.”
When asked to comment on the ESPNcricinfo report, a PCB spokesperson told Arab News that the ICC is spearheading the investigation.
“The process has been initiated by the ICC, and the ICC will conclude it,” the PCB spokesperson said on condition of anonymity. “Mohammad Nawaz will respond to the ICC.”
ESPNcricinfo also reported that the positive test led to the cancelation of Nawaz’s contract with Surrey for the upcoming T20 Blast tournament.
“Nawaz’s deal to join Surrey for the T20 Blast in England has fallen through as a result,” the cricket news outlet reported.
Despite the ongoing probe, Nawaz played for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) tournament on Tuesday, bowling three overs in a match that saw his side to victory over the Rawalpindiz.
