Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after testing positive for Carboxy-THC, a metabolite of cannabis, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The ICC confirmed that the violation occurred following Pakistan’s match against the Netherlands on February 7, 2026.
According to the ICC, Carboxy-THC is classified as a “Substance of Abuse” under its Anti-Doping Code. Nawaz admitted to the anti-doping rule violation and successfully demonstrated that the cannabis had been consumed outside of competition and was not intended to enhance sporting performance.
Initially, Nawaz received a three-month period of ineligibility, backdated to May 1, 2026, when he voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension. However, under ICC anti-doping regulations, the suspension was reduced to one month after he agreed to complete an ICC-approved substance abuse treatment programme. Since he had already served nearly two and a half months under provisional suspension, the ban has effectively been completed.
As part of the sanction, the ICC ruled that Nawaz’s individual results from Pakistan’s match against the Netherlands on February 7, along with all matches played until May 1, 2026, have been disqualified. During the tournament, Nawaz featured in all seven of Pakistan’s matches, taking seven wickets and scoring 15 runs before the team exited in the Super Eight stage.
The case highlights the ICC’s continued enforcement of anti-doping regulations while distinguishing between substances used for recreational purposes and those intended to enhance athletic performance. The governing body noted that the reduction in Nawaz’s sanction was permitted because the substance was consumed out of competition and because he complied with the required rehabilitation programme.
Although Nawaz is now eligible to return to competitive cricket, the incident serves as a reminder that athletes remain responsible for any prohibited substances detected in their bodies, regardless of whether they were taken to improve performance.
