Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has found himself at the centre of an off-field controversy after a positive test for recreational drug use, prompting an investigation by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The situation has also reportedly derailed his planned move to Surrey for England’s T20 Blast this summer.
Quick facts
- Mohammad Nawaz tested positive for recreational drug use, leading to a PCB investigation.
- PCB says it has begun the due process after being informed by the ICC.
- The test was carried out during the T20 World Cup earlier this year in Sri Lanka.
- Pakistan were knocked out in the Super Eight stage; Nawaz played all seven matches.
- Nawaz’s Surrey deal for the T20 Blast (May 26 to July 18) has reportedly fallen through.
- He is currently playing the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Quetta Gladiators.
- In the ongoing PSL season, he has 288 runs and just two wickets from nine matches.
PCB is currently looking into the case, with the board indicating that the matter was taken up after communication from the International Cricket Council (ICC). A PCB spokesperson said on Wednesday that the ICC had informed the board about the development and that the PCB has started the “due process,” with the results expected to be relayed to the ICC later the same day.
The report also states that the positive finding relates to a test carried out during the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Nawaz, aged 32, featured in all seven of Pakistan’s matches in Sri Lanka, with the team eventually finishing their campaign in the Super Eight stage.
In that World Cup, Nawaz managed 15 runs in total and took seven wickets across the tournament. His all-round returns were part of Pakistan’s efforts, but the side could not progress beyond the Super Eight round.
Surrey deal reportedly collapses
Nawaz had already agreed a contract with Surrey and was set to take part in the T20 Blast, scheduled to run from May 26 until July 18. PCB had also issued him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the tournament, and Surrey were expected to confirm his arrival during the course of the week.
However, the latest update suggests the arrangement has now fallen through. As a result, Nawaz will no longer join the English county club this summer, with the investigation potentially affecting his availability and future engagements.
PSL 2026 numbers
Meanwhile, Nawaz is currently involved in the ongoing 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League, representing Quetta Gladiators. From nine matches so far, he has claimed two wickets while contributing 288 runs, maintaining a strike rate of 135.84.
Across his PSL career, Nawaz has played 24 matches. His spell includes three games for Islamabad United during the 2022/23 season, and he has also appeared for the Gladiators in 2025. Overall, he has scored 715 runs, including two fifties, and has taken just two wickets in the league.
In the 2025 edition specifically, he went wicketless and was not used as a bowler by United, leaving his role more focused on batting during that campaign.
