Pakistan Cricketer Mohammad Nawaz Sanctioned After Cannabis-Related Positive Test

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council after testing positive for Carboxy-THC, a cannabis-related substance, during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The 32-year-old provided the positive sample following Pakistan’s match against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7, 2026.

What is Carboxy-THC?

Carboxy-THC is a metabolite produced when the body processes THC—the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Under the ICC Anti-Doping Code, it is classified as a “Substance of Abuse.”

Nawaz admitted the anti-doping violation. However, the ICC accepted that the substance had been used outside competition and in circumstances unrelated to sporting performance.

That distinction played an important role in determining the length of his suspension.

Three-Month Suspension Can Be Reduced

The ICC handed Nawaz a three-month period of ineligibility, backdated to May 1, 2026—the date on which he voluntarily began serving a provisional suspension.

The sanction can be reduced to one month if Nawaz completes an approved substance-abuse treatment programme to the ICC’s satisfaction.

By the time the decision was announced, he had already spent approximately two and a half months under provisional suspension. After accepting the sanction and committing to rehabilitation, his provisional suspension was lifted.

If he successfully completes the treatment programme, he will not be required to serve any further period of ineligibility.

World Cup Records Disqualified

The ICC also confirmed that Nawaz’s individual records from the February 7 match against the Netherlands—and subsequent matches played before May 1—have been disqualified under its Anti-Doping Code.

Nawaz appeared in all seven of Pakistan’s matches during the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. Pakistan progressed to the Super Eights before being eliminated. Across the tournament, Nawaz originally recorded 15 runs and seven wickets.

The case highlights how cricket’s anti-doping regulations treat cannabis-related substances. Although the ICC accepted that Nawaz’s use was unrelated to improving his sporting performance, the positive test still constituted a violation and resulted in formal consequences.

Sources: ICC official media release and Reuters report.