Pakistan’s seasoned left-arm spinning all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz finds himself at the center of a disciplinary storm after the Pakistan Cricket Board launched a formal investigation into what is believed to be a failed recreational substance test — a development that has simultaneously derailed his highly anticipated move to English county side Surrey for the T20 Blast.
The PCB confirmed that the case was referred to them by the International Cricket Council, and that internal proceedings were promptly set in motion. A board spokesperson stated that results of the process would be relayed back to the ICC on the same day the investigation was initiated. The ICC, for its part, has chosen to stay silent on the matter.
Sources familiar with the situation indicate that the failed sample dates back to this year’s T20 World Cup held in Sri Lanka, a tournament where Nawaz was a constant presence — taking the field in all seven of Pakistan’s outings. Despite contributing seven wickets and 15 runs as Pakistan bowed out at the Super Eight stage, the 32-year-old remained one of the squad’s key utility players.
The timing of the revelation is particularly damaging from a career standpoint. Just a fortnight ago, the PCB had granted Nawaz a No-Objection Certificate to participate in the T20 Blast, which runs from late May through mid-July. Surrey, who had quietly finalised terms with the veteran and were on the verge of making a formal announcement, have now confirmed the deal is off the table — though they too have declined to elaborate publicly.
Nawaz, who has featured in 98 T20 internationals for Pakistan across his career, continues to turn out for Multan Sultans in the current PSL season. Most recently, he bowled three overs without a wicket in Multan’s six-wicket victory over Rawalpindi in Karachi. His performances on the field, for now, continue — but the shadow of this off-field matter grows longer with each passing day.
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