Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz is under investigation by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following a positive test for recreational drug use, an international sports outlet has reported, with his planned move to Surrey for the T20 Blast falling through as a result.

Citing a PCB spokesperson, the report said that the positive test stems from testing conducted during the T20 World Cup earlier this year, where Nawaz featured in all seven of Pakistan’s matches in Sri Lanka before they were eliminated at the Super Eight stage. He scored 15 runs and took seven wickets across the games. 

“The International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed the PCB about this matter, and PCB has begun the due process. The results of this process will be communicated to the ICC today,” the spokesperson reportedly said. 

Nawaz had agreed to join Surrey and was due to be available for the entire T20 Blast, which runs from May 26 until July 18. 

PCB had announced two weeks ago that Nawaz received a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the tournament, and Surrey had planned to announce his signing this week. 

ESPNcricinfo reported that the deal has now fallen through and Nawaz will no longer join the club this summer. Surrey declined to comment.

The ICC also declined to comment when approached by ESPNcricinfo.

Nawaz has been a regular feature for Multan Sultans in the ongoing PSL season, scoring 36 runs in 8 matches and picking 6 wickets.