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Mohammad Nawaz, one of Pakistan’s most experienced T20 cricketers, is under formal investigation by the Pakistan Cricket Board after returning a positive test for recreational drug use, ESPNcricinfo has revealed.

As a direct consequence, Nawaz’s planned move to Surrey for the T20 Blast has collapsed entirely, a deal that had progressed so far that the PCB had already issued a No-Objection Certificate two weeks ago and Surrey had been preparing to announce his signing publicly this very week.

The positive test and how it came to light

The timing of the positive result makes this particularly significant. Nawaz was tested during the T20 World Cup held in Sri Lanka earlier this year, a global event where cricket’s anti-doping protocols operate under the direct supervision of the ICC.

He played all seven of Pakistan’s matches in the tournament, contributing 15 runs with the bat and taking seven wickets before Pakistan were eliminated at the Super Eight stage. The ICC, upon receiving the results, formally notified the PCB, which triggered the investigation now underway.

A PCB spokesperson confirmed to ESPNcricinfo on Wednesday that the board had “begun the due process” and that results of the proceedings would be communicated back to the ICC the same day. The ICC declined to comment when approached, and Surrey similarly offered no response.

The Surrey’s T20 Blast deal that fell apart overnight for Mohammad Nawaz

Just two weeks ago, the PCB had issued Mohammad Nawaz a No-Objection Certificate to join Surrey for the T20 Blast, a competition that runs from May 26 until July 18. The deal had been agreed, the paperwork had been processed, and Surrey had been preparing to make a formal announcement this week. None of that will be happening now.

ESPNcricinfo has learned that the signing has collapsed entirely as a direct result of the investigation, leaving Surrey without a player they had been counting on and Nawaz without what would have been a significant summer assignment in English conditions. For a 32-year-old with 98 T20 Internationals to his name, the timing could not be more damaging.

Where Mohammad Nawaz stands now

Despite the investigation hanging over him, Mohammad Nawaz has continued to feature in domestic cricket without interruption.

He bowled three wicketless overs for Multan Sultans in their six-wicket victory over Rawalpindi in Karachi on Tuesday night, just hours before ESPNcricinfo broke the story of his positive test.

Whether he continues to be available for selection during the ongoing PCB investigation remains an open question, and one the board has not yet addressed publicly. What is clear is that the findings of the due process, once communicated to the ICC, will determine the next chapter of a career that until this week had shown no signs of slowing down.