Muhammad Nawaz has responded to both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after failing a doping test during the ICC T20 World Cup held earlier this year, hosted by India and Sri Lanka. In his reply, Nawaz has said he did not intentionally take any banned substance.
Muhammad Nawaz's explanation of failing a doping Test
According to a report by PTI, Nawaz has denied using any prohibited or recreational drugs on purpose. It is understood that he told officials he had taken some medicines for a health issue, and that might have led to the test result.
ICC and PCB are looking into the issue
The ICC and PCB are currently looking into the matter after Nawaz tested positive in a random anti-doping check during the tournament. While the investigation is still going on, he has been allowed to play for the Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League.
Muhammad Nawaz to be banned?
At the moment, the PCB is waiting for an official update from the ICC, which is expected to decide the next steps soon. If the ICC is not satisfied with Nawaz’s explanation, he could face a ban from cricket, as the rules on banned substances are very strict.
PCB officials have also questioned Nawaz as part of their own investigation. He has been a regular member of Pakistan’s T20 team in recent years.
Other Notable Pakistan Cricketers who tested positive for banned substances
Pakistan cricket has seen similar issues in the past. In 2006, fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Shoaib Akhtar tested positive for banned substances and were pulled out of the ICC Champions Trophy in India. They were initially banned, but those bans were later removed after an appeal.
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Other Pakistan players like Raza Hasan, Yasir Shah, and Ahmed Shehzad have also faced suspensions in the past after failing doping tests.