Muhammad Nawaz Responds to ICC Doping Allegations Amid Investigation

Pakistan all-rounder Muhammad Nawaz has responded to doping allegations following a positive test during the T20 World Cup. He claims he did not intentionally consume banned substances, attributing his situation to medications for a health issue. As investigations by the ICC and PCB continue, Nawaz is currently allowed to play in the Pakistan Super League. However, if the ICC finds his explanation lacking, he could face severe penalties, including a potential ban from cricket. This incident adds to Pakistan's history of doping scandals, raising questions about the future of the player and the integrity of the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 24, 2026, 01:57 IST

Nawaz Addresses Doping Test Results

Veteran all-rounder Muhammad Nawaz from Pakistan has officially replied to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding his positive doping test during the T20 World Cup, which was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka earlier this year. He maintains that he did not knowingly ingest any prohibited substances.

A PCB insider revealed on Thursday that Nawaz has firmly denied any intentional use of banned drugs or recreational substances.

According to the source, "He clarified that he had taken certain medications for a health issue but did not consume any illicit drugs."

Nawaz is currently under scrutiny by both the ICC and PCB for the alleged use of recreational drugs during the World Cup, following a positive result from a random drug test conducted by the governing bodies.

The left-arm spinner has been permitted to participate in the Pakistan Super League with the Multan Sultans, but the ICC is expected to communicate its next steps to the PCB in the coming days.

Should the ICC find his explanation unsatisfactory, Nawaz may face a complete suspension from cricket, as the organization upholds a stringent policy against the use of banned substances and recreational drugs by athletes.

As a consistent member of the national T20 team, Nawaz has also been interrogated by PCB officials.

Pakistan cricket has previously encountered significant doping controversies, notably in 2006 when fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Shoaib Akhtar tested positive for a banned substance and were sent home from the ICC Champions Trophy held in India.

Although both players received initial bans, a committee later overturned these sanctions in December of that year following their appeals.

Other Pakistani cricketers who have faced suspensions for failing drug tests include spinners Raza Hasan and Yasir Shah, along with batter Ahmed Shehzad.