Pakistani T20 cricketer Mohammad Nawaz loses county contract after testing positive for a recreational drug: Reports

Nawaz’s proposed move to Surrey County Cricket Club for the T20 Blast has fallen through following the development, ESPNcricinfo reported.

The 30-year-old all-rounder, who has featured in 98 T20 internationals for Pakistan, is currently undergoing the anti-doping process overseen by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

A spokesperson for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the development to ESPNcricinfo on Wednesday, saying: “The ICC has informed the PCB about this matter, and the PCB has initiated due process. The outcome will be communicated to the ICC.”

According to the report, the positive test is believed to have originated during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year, where Nawaz played all seven matches for Pakistan.

Nawaz had earlier signed an agreement with Surrey and was expected to feature in the T20 Blast, scheduled to run from May 26 to July 18.

The PCB had granted him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the tournament just two weeks ago, and Surrey was set to officially announce his signing.

However, the deal has now been called off, and Nawaz will not join the club for the upcoming season.