International Cricket Council bans Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Nawaz for three months

Accused of consuming cannabis

Islamabad (Pakistan) – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a three-month ban on Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz after a prohibited substance related to cannabis was detected in his test sample.

1. According to the ICC, Nawaz’s sample was collected for testing after the Pakistan-Netherlands match during the 2026 T20 World Cup. The test revealed the presence of cannabis in his system. The substance falls under the category of narcotic drugs.

2. The ICC clarified that, during the investigation, Nawaz admitted that he had not consumed cannabis to enhance his sporting performance but had used it outside the competition period. As a result, he was not found guilty of using a performance-enhancing substance, which is why he received a relatively lenient punishment. Although the ICC imposed a three-month ban, the suspension was deemed to have commenced from 1st May 2026, as Nawaz had voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension from that date. Nawaz also agreed to complete a drug rehabilitation programme. After approximately two-and-a-half months, his provisional suspension was lifted.

Editorial Perspective

Only a few days ago, former Union Home Ministry Under Secretary RVS Mani had claimed that “Pakistani players used to smuggle narcotic substances during their tours of India.” This incident lends credence to that claim.