Star allrounder Mohammad Nawaz is under investigation of the Pakistan Cricket Board after he tested positive for a recreational drug use, according to a report in ESPNCricinfo. As a result, Nawaz’s move to join Surrey for the T20 Blast in England has collapsed.

Nawaz was in action in the Pakistan Super League on Tuesday but hasn’t been at his best throughout the tournament, where he represents the Multan Sultans.

Recreational drugs are psychoactive substances used to induce pleasure, relaxation, or changes in perception, without medical supervision. They include alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, cocaine, heroin and various synthetic substances.

“The International Cricket Council has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board about this matter and PCB has begun the due process. The results of this process will be communicated to the ICC today," a board spokesperson said while speaking to ESPNCricinfo.

According to the report, the positive test result dates back to the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Nawaz, 32, featured in all seven of Pakistan’s games in Sri Lanka, where they exited in the Super 8s, scoring 15 runs and claiming seven wickets.

Nawaz had agreed to join Surrey and was all set to be available for the entire T20 Blast, scheduled from May 26 to July 18. The PCB confirmed two weeks ago that he had been issued a No-Objection Certificate for the tournament, with Surrey expected to announce his signing this week.

But the report adds that the deal has now collapsed, meaning Nawaz will not join the club this summer. ESPNCricinfo didn’t receive any comments from Surrey or the International Cricket Council on the matter.

Nawaz has been a regular for the Multan Sultans in the ongoing PSL season and returned figures of 0/26 in three overs during their six-wicket victory over Rawalpindi in Karachi on Tuesday night.

Source: News18