Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz finds himself at the centre of a serious controversy as the Pakistan Cricket Board has launched a formal investigation against him following a positive test result, casting a dark cloud over one of Pakistan’s most experienced white-ball cricketers.
The 32-year-old left-arm spinner has been a reliable presence in Pakistan’s limited-overs setup for years, amassing 166 wickets and 1,593 runs across 6 Tests, 44 ODIs, and 97 T20Is, numbers that underline his all-round value, especially in T20 cricket.
The positive test came during a mandatory screening conducted earlier this year ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The ICC informed the PCB of the result, prompting the board to initiate due process. A PCB spokesperson confirmed that the findings would be communicated to the ICC promptly.
Despite the ongoing probe, Nawaz has continued to feature in the PSL 2026 Season for Multan Sultans, picking up 6 wickets and scoring 36 runs in 8 matches. The board is yet to suspend him from domestic cricket.
However, the fallout has already begun beyond Pakistan’s borders. Nawaz had been set to represent Surrey in England’s T20 Blast and had even secured a No-Objection Certificate from the PCB, but the deal has now collapsed, with Surrey pulling out amid the investigation.
The PCB is also reviewing his availability for the national team and franchise cricket going forward. A final decision is expected once the process concludes.
For now, uncertainty looms large over Mohammad Nawaz’s cricketing future, both at home and abroad.
