The National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority (NCCIA) has summoned wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan again on October 2 as part of an investigation into alleged dressing-room leaks during the England series.
According to the second notice, a copy of which is available to Geo News, the NCCIA requested Rizwan’s cooperation to conduct forensic examination and analysis of the mobile phone it seized from the national cricketer.
The agency, therefore, directed the 34-year-old to appear in person on Friday at 3pm, adding that the non-appearance would be considered as the wicketkeeper batter has nothing to present or state in his defence.
Meanwhile, as per sources close to Rizwan, the former white-ball captain will appear before the agency alongside his lawyer at the given time.
However, the sources argued that the second notice earlier did not respond to Rizwan’s plea, in which the wicketkeeper-batter sought written details of the inquiry, besides demanding the possession of his mobile phone.
The sources further suggested that Rizwan, upon his appearance before the agency on Friday, would also ask the NCCIA about the allegations levelled against him, including his non-cooperation hindering the inquiry.
Earlier this week, as per the NCCIA sources, investigators contacted Rizwan several times and requested his cooperation in the inquiry, but did not receive a positive response despite repeated attempts.
They said investigators were sometimes unable to contact the cricketer, while on other occasions Rizwan said he would consult his lawyer before responding to the agency.
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Rizwan twice ‘denied permission’ to speak on ongoing NCCIA inquiry
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has twice sought permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to speak publicly about the ongoing inquiry against him, but was denied on both occasions, sources told Geo News on Monday.
According to the sources, Rizwan wanted to address the controversy surrounding the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) inquiry, including details of his mobile phone being seized following the Lord’s Test against England.
The former Pakistan white-ball captain also wanted to publicly explain the allegations made against him and provide details regarding a letter he had written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in connection with the matter.
Sources said Rizwan sought permission from the PCB in accordance with the provisions of his central contract. However, the board refused permission both times.
Under clause 4.1 of the central contract, a player is required to obtain permission before making any public statement concerning matters covered by the agreement. Rizwan, according to sources, wanted to use clause 16, which calls for cooperation between the PCB and the player.
Sources also said Rizwan’s intention was not to make accusations against the PCB or any other organisation but to place his position and the sequence of events before the public.
The development comes amid the ongoing NCCIA inquiry following the seizure of Rizwan’s mobile phone after the Lord’s Test in England.
During a hearing at the Lahore High Court (LHC) last week, Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, told Chief Justice Aalia Neelum that the cricketer had been called to a hotel lobby after the Test and questioned without being served a notice.
According to his counsel, Rizwan’s mobile phone was taken into custody after he was assured that it would be returned within three hours. The device has yet to be returned.
Previously, sources told Geo News that Rizwan had also sought guidance from the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) regarding the seizure of his phone.
He reportedly asked whether the ICC or England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) anti-corruption authorities were aware of, or involved in, the action taken against him.
He also sought clarification on whether the procedure followed in requesting, transferring and conducting a forensic examination of his mobile phone was consistent with the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.
The NCCIA inquiry relates to online betting and gambling in Pakistan cricket, while reports have also linked it to alleged leaks of information from the Pakistan dressing room during the Test series against England.
Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the agency in Lahore earlier this month. No final finding against either player has been officially announced.
For the unversed, the wicketkeeper-batter and the left-handed opener were among seven players released from Pakistan’s Test squad following the defeat to England at Lord’s.
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The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday dismissed Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan’s petition challenging notices issued to him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition, with Rizwan’s lawyer Qazi Umair Ali appearing before the court.
The lawyer argued that the allegations against Rizwan were false and baseless, telling the court that the cricketer was called to a hotel lobby after the Lord’s Test and questioned without being served a notice.
He said Rizwan’s mobile phone was taken into custody during the process after he was assured it would be returned within three hours.
Ali told the court that the phone had still not been returned, arguing that the delay reflected bad faith.
He further contended that the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit was the appropriate forum for dealing with corruption-related allegations against cricketers.
However, no matter concerning Rizwan had been referred to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit, Ali said.
During the hearing, Justice Neelum expressed displeasure with the lawyer for failing to bring the case file to court.
She observed that Rizwan had been called by the NCCIA on September 10 and had complied with the summons.
“You were called on September 10 and you complied with it. What brings you to court now?” Justice Neelum asked.
She directed Ali to go to the agency, explain his position there and submit a response to the notices.
“Go there, tell them and respond to the notice,” Justice Neelum said.
The court subsequently dismissed Rizwan’s petition.
What is the NCCIA investigating?
The NCCIA’s notice states that an inquiry into online betting and gambling is under way.
Rizwan had challenged the notice, questioning the agency’s jurisdiction and the basis of the inquiry. He maintained that it did not identify any specific allegation or explain what illegal activity he was allegedly involved in.
He had also said that he repeatedly asked investigators to clarify the allegations during his appearance but was not provided with answers.
Rizwan and Pakistan Test opener Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the NCCIA at its Johar Town office in Lahore earlier this month.
The players were questioned for around two hours in connection with an investigation into alleged information leaks from the Pakistan dressing room during the Test series against England, sources told Geo News.
Investigators also asked about their contacts and meetings during practice sessions and matches in England.
The agency has been conducting forensic and technical analysis of their mobile phones and examining financial dealings and suspected transactions involving the two players, according to the sources.
Messages, contacts and other digital information retrieved from the phones are also being reviewed as part of the inquiry.
The NCCIA has not officially announced any final finding against either player.
Rizwan subsequently submitted a written response to the agency, seeking clarification over the reasons for his summons and asking why his mobile phone had not been returned.
Probe follows changes to Test set-up
The NCCIA inquiry comes after major changes to Pakistan’s Test set-up following the team’s defeats against England.
Rizwan and Imam were among seven players released from the Test squad following Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed from their positions.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had separately sought written explanations from members of its selection committee over the inclusion of Rizwan and Imam in Pakistan’s Test squads for the 2026 tours of the West Indies and England.
According to a PCB notice issued on August 31, the selection committee had considered and recommended both players during a meeting on June 2.
The board sought details of the selection criteria, performance considerations and other factors taken into account before their inclusion.
