Mohammad Nawaz’s unsuccessful anti-doping check has sparked fresh debate, not only because the Pakistan all-rounder has reportedly tested positive for a prohibited substance, but also because of uncertainty over which body should steer the process. While the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has drawn attention by bringing it into the public domain early.
The PCB’s announcement that the 32-year-old is under investigation appears premature, since the ICC is expected to decide the appropriate next steps. With it now understood that Nawaz’s test returned a positive result for a banned recreational drug rather than a performance-enhancing product, the immediate focus should be on obtaining his explanation. What follows will depend on how the explanation is assessed.
At first glance, the nature of the breach may be viewed as less severe than cases involving substances intended to enhance performance. It is also understood that Nawaz has already submitted his response to the authorities. In typical scenarios, a failed test triggers analysis of the “B” sample as part of the process, but with recreational-drug cases, the need for that additional testing may vary depending on how the initial response is evaluated. If his explanation is not considered satisfactory, a further sample could be sent for testing.
The ICC is understood to be reviewing Nawaz’s explanation, and no formal charge has been reported so far. Key details remain unclear, including when and where the test was carried out.
Some reports have linked the controversy to Nawaz’s recent T20 World Cup run, suggesting he had struggled during the tournament. However, the PCB’s position is that the sample was collected while he was receiving rehabilitation in Lahore. The ICC has, as a matter of policy, declined to comment on the matter, while a PCB spokesperson later confirmed that the board has retracted its earlier claim about starting due process.
On the field, Nawaz played in all of Pakistan’s matches during the relevant spell, taking seven wickets across six games at an average of 22.28 and an economy rate of 7.8. With the bat, he contributed 15 runs across five innings.
Wasim Khan’s resignation from the ICC
Alongside the doping uncertainty, it has also emerged that Wasim Khan, the general manager of the ICC, has stepped down. He had been associated with the sport’s governing body for four years.
Khan has reportedly told people close to him that he will leave the ICC in June and move to a new organisation that is not linked to cricket. He previously served as the PCB’s chief executive.
