NEW DELHI: Pakistan star all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been suspended for three months after failing a dope test during the T20 World Cup earlier this year. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the decision on Friday, saying the positive test was linked to a “substance of abuse” that was not related to improving sporting performance.However, Nawaz’s suspension will be reduced to one month if he successfully completes a substance abuse treatment programme. His period of ineligibility has been backdated to May 1, the date he began a voluntary provisional suspension.

ICC on Nawaz

The ICC said in a statement: “Pakistan spin-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has accepted a three-month period of ineligibility (which will be reduced to one month on completion of a substance of abuse treatment programme) for breaching the ICC Anti-Doping Code.”The governing body added: “Subject to Nawaz completing a substance of abuse rehabilitation programme to the ICC’s satisfaction, Nawaz will not be required to serve the remainder of the three-month period of ineligibility.”

Tested positive for cannabis metabolite

The 32-year-old tested positive for Carboxy-THC, an inactive metabolite produced in the liver after consuming cannabis. He underwent the dope test following Pakistan’s T20 World Cup match against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7.The tournament was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan playing its matches in Sri Lanka under an agreement with the ICC.

Nawaz admitted the offence

The ICC said Nawaz accepted the charge and proved that the substance was taken outside competition and had no connection with enhancing his performance.“Nawaz admitted to the offence and demonstrated that the substance had been used out-of-competition, in a manner unrelated to sport performance,” the world body stated.After accepting the sanction and agreeing to undergo rehabilitation, Nawaz’s provisional suspension has been lifted, having already served two and a half months.

Match records disqualified

Under the ICC Anti-Doping Code, Nawaz’s records from Pakistan’s T20 World Cup match against the Netherlands on February 7 and all subsequent matches up to May 1 have been disqualified.