Mohammad Nawaz, a prominent Pakistani all-rounder, is currently embroiled in a controversy. Nawaz is suspected of indulging in recreational drug abuse, and an inquiry into the matter has been initiated by the PCB. The case raises serious doubts about Nawaz's career and initiates discussions on the stringent anti-doping policy of the PCB.

According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Nawaz's recreational drug test has come back positive. The ICC informed the Pakistan Cricket Board, following which the PCB immediately initiated the investigation. A PCB spokesperson said on Wednesday that the test results will be sent to the ICC soon.

The incident took place during the T20 World Cup that was held in Sri Lanka and India this year. Nawaz, who is 32 years old, participated in all seven games that Pakistan contested in the tournament. He made only 15 runs and bagged seven wickets.

Nawaz's contract with English county club Surrey was also terminated following the controversy. Nawaz had signed with Surrey for the T20 Blast, which is scheduled to be played from May 26 to July 18. The PCB had issued him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC), and the club was scheduled to make an official announcement this week. However, the deal was cancelled after the drug case surfaced, and Nawaz will no longer be able to travel to England.

Nawaz is currently playing for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. He has so far scored 288 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 135.84, although he has taken only 2 wickets in bowling. Talking about his PSL career, Nawaz has scored 715 runs in 24 matches, including two half-centuries. However, his bowling was a complete flop in the 2025 edition, and Islamabad United did not field him at all. Nawaz has so far played 6 Tests, 44 ODIs, and 98 T20 Internationals for the Pakistan national team.