The Lahore High Court has directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) not to harass Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued the written order after dismissing Rizwan’s petition challenging the NCCIA’s jurisdiction over the investigation.
Rizwan has been under scrutiny since Pakistan’s tour of England, where he and Imam-ul-Haq were among seven players sent home early. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s security team seized their mobile phones, and the NCCIA questioned Rizwan for two hours over alleged corruption and “online gambling” concerns.
Lahore HC Allows NCCIA Probe Into Mohammad Rizwan to Continue
According to a report by Pakistan-based outlet Geo News, the Lahore High Court has allowed the NCCIA to continue its inquiry into Mohammad Rizwan. The court said the agency can investigate potential offences under Section 14 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
Government lawyers told the court that cyber patrolling had allegedly linked Rizwan to the matter. The court also rejected arguments that the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code prevents Pakistani authorities from conducting a separate investigation under domestic law.
The High Court noted that the ICC’s disciplinary framework does not override Pakistan’s laws. It dismissed Rizwan’s petition but directed the NCCIA to follow due process and avoid causing him unnecessary inconvenience. The court also instructed the former Pakistan captain to cooperate with the investigation.
PCB Rejects Mohammad Rizwan’s Request to Address Allegations
The legal proceedings have also prevented Mohammad Rizwan from publicly addressing the allegations. The Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly rejected two requests from the wicketkeeper-batter to speak to the media and present his side of the story.
The PCB rejected the requests under Clause 4.1 of Rizwan’s central contract, which requires players to obtain board approval before making public statements on matters covered by the agreement. As a result, Rizwan has been unable to publicly explain his recent correspondence with the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit.
In his response to the NCCIA, Rizwan had sought clarity on the allegations against him. He questioned the agency’s involvement and asked for details of the accusations so he could properly respond to the inquiry.
“It is incomprehensible why the NCCIA is conducting an inquiry into such a case. I should be provided with full details of the allegations against me so that I can participate in the inquiry.”
Mohammad Rizwan Phone Seized at Lord’s as NCCIA Expands Probe
The investigation began during the second Test between Pakistan and England at Lord’s. Mohammad Rizwan’s lawyer claimed that the cricketer was summoned to the team hotel at around 1:00 AM and handed over his phone after being told it would be returned within three hours.
The device was not returned within that period. The NCCIA’s inquiry also goes beyond the forensic examination of Rizwan’s phone, with the agency submitting a five-page questionnaire seeking details of his personal, social media and financial records.
The information reportedly includes social media activity from the past decade, income records for five years, bank accounts, credit cards, assets and domestic expenses. With his petition dismissed, Rizwan will now have to respond to the agency’s questions as the inquiry continues.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
