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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has initiated procedures to take action against a player accused of drug use.
Based on a report from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the PCB plans to take disciplinary measures against national team player Mohammad Nawaz. The report relates to the use of “recreational drugs” during the T20 World Cup.
According to PCB spokesperson Amir Meer, who spoke to BBC Urdu, the board has asked Nawaz to provide clarification on the matter by Thursday. Meer stated that the ICC report returned a positive test for recreational drug use by Nawaz, prompting further action.
Meer explained that the ICC first completes its investigation and issues its findings before giving the accused player an opportunity to respond. All disciplinary actions related to drug use fall under ICC’s jurisdiction.
Earlier, cricket website Cricinfo published details suggesting suspicion of recreational drug use by Nawaz during the T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka in February and March. The investigation reportedly yielded a positive result.
What are ‘Recreational Drugs’?
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Mohammad Nawaz participated in a total of seven matches during the T20 World Cup as part of the Pakistani squad. Pakistan failed to reach the semifinals, and Nawaz’s individual performance was also underwhelming.
Currently, Nawaz is playing for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). It remains unclear what disciplinary measures will be taken and whether he will be allowed to continue playing.
The ICC has been contacted for comment but has not responded so far.
Experts say players generally use recreational drugs for entertainment rather than to enhance their sports performance.
According to Dr. Saleem, a pharmacy professor from Rawalpindi, recreational drugs induce calmness and pleasure and can simply be described as narcotic substances.
“There are two types: one stimulates extreme happiness or excitement, and the other induces sleep or euphoric feelings. These are also called ‘party drugs’ or ‘recreational drugs’.”
Dr. Saleem states that such narcotics are more likely to harm rather than improve an athlete’s performance.
What Does ICC’s Policy Say?
The ICC is a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which aims to uphold the integrity of sport, protect athlete health, and keep sports free of doping.
ICC educates players competing internationally on banned substances.
The authority to conduct doping tests in international cricket matches lies with the ICC.
Under anti-doping regulation section 2.1.1, two samples are collected separately from the player’s body. Testing of the first sample is conducted, and if it shows the presence of a banned substance, the ICC prepares its report.
The player has the right to request an analysis of the second sample.
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The player, their representative, or their country’s cricket board can oversee the testing of the second sample.
If the second sample is negative, the disciplinary process is halted and the player is exonerated.
However, if both samples are positive, the player may face a suspension of up to four years. If it is proven that the banned substances entered the body unintentionally or without knowledge, the punishment might be reduced.
According to Pakistani media, Mohammad Nawaz is likely to request testing of his second sample.
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