Star Pakistan All-Rounder Under PCB Probe After Positive Drug Test

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz is being investigated by Pakistan's Cricket Board after testing positive for the recreational drug use. The news was carried on ESPNcricinfo who revealed that the finding relates to tests administered during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup this year in Sri Lanka.

All-rounder Nawaz made his international debut for Pakistan in 2014 and has so far represented his country 98 times in the Twenty 20 format. He was part of all seven matches in Sri Lanka during which he took seven wickets and scored 15 runs as Pakistan were eliminated in the Super Eight stage.

A PCB spokesperson confirmed the findings and stated:

"The International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about this matter, and PCB has begun the due process. The results of this process will be communicated to the ICC today."

Nawaz's Surrey Deal Cancelled Following Investigation

The investigation into the positive test has already impacted Nawaz's career, with his proposed stint in England with Surrey County Cricket Club in the T20 Blast falling through. He had been given the No-Objection Certificate by the PCB and was thought to be available for the entire tournament, which runs from May 26 to July 18.

He was to be announced by Surrey this week, but the deal was terminated due to the failed test. Surrey did not make a statement when contacted for comment.

Meanwhile, Nawaz continues to participate in the current edition of Pakistan Super League. Playing for the Multan Sultans, he is a prominent member of the side. He has been limited to 36 runs in 4 innings, averaging 9, including a high of 16. He has also picked up 6 wickets with the ball at a modest economy rate of 7.62.His best figures with the ball this season are 3/30.

In his latest appearance he bowled 3 overs without a wicket in his side’s 6-wicket victory over Rawalpindi in Karachi.

The International Cricket Council has not made a statement so far. The PCB process is expected to be concluded soon and, based on this, any disciplinary action will be decided.