All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been penalised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following a positive test for a cannabis-related substance. The ICC confirmed on Friday that the player has been handed a three-month suspension, which may be shortened if he successfully completes a designated rehabilitation programme.

The 32-year-old tested positive for Carboxy-THC — a metabolite of THC, the psychoactive element found in cannabis — after Pakistan’s Twenty20 World Cup match against the Netherlands held in February.

According to the ICC, Carboxy-THC is listed as a Substance of Abuse under its Anti-Doping Code.

Nawaz acknowledged the breach and provided evidence that his use of the substance occurred outside of competition and was not connected to performance enhancement, as stated by the ICC.

As a result, the all-rounder received a three-month suspension backdated to May 1, the date he voluntarily began a provisional suspension. The ICC noted that after Nawaz served around two and a half months of this provisional period and agreed to participate in a rehabilitation programme, his provisional suspension was lifted.

The ICC further clarified that, in accordance with its anti-doping regulations, Nawaz’s results from the Netherlands match on February 7 and all subsequent games up to May 1 have been nullified.

Nawaz appeared in all seven of Pakistan’s matches in this year’s men’s T20 World Cup, starting with their opening fixture against the Netherlands and continuing through to the Super Eights stage, where Pakistan were eliminated. Over the course of the tournament, he scored 15 runs and claimed seven wickets.Nawaz appeared in all seven of Pakistan’s matches in this year’s men’s T20 World Cup, starting with their opening fixture against the Netherlands and continuing through to the Super Eights stage, where Pakistan were eliminated. Over the course of the tournament, he scored 15 runs and claimed seven wickets.