NCCIA Questions Pakistan Cricketers Over Alleged Dressing Room Leaks
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Lahore: Two Pakistan cricketers, Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan, have appeared before the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) as part of an investigation into alleged leaks of information from the team’s dressing room during the recent England series.
The two players were questioned by the cybercrime agency on Thursday following a complaint submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The development comes after the PCB announced that it had launched an internal disciplinary inquiry into reports concerning the team’s discipline and conduct.
Cricketers Questioned in Lahore
According to sources familiar with the matter, Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan appeared at the NCCIA office in Lahore after receiving notices from the agency.
The players were reportedly questioned for around four hours. Their mobile phones had already been handed over to the NCCIA, and they informed investigators that the devices could be examined for forensic purposes.
Both cricketers have also reportedly requested additional time to submit their written responses to the investigation.
The inquiry is focused on allegations that information from inside the team’s dressing room was leaked during the England series.
PCB Declines to Comment
A PCB spokesperson acknowledged reports regarding an NCCIA investigation involving certain cricketers but said the board would not comment while the inquiry remains underway.
Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan were among seven players sent back home following Pakistan’s disappointing performances in the first two Tests against England.
Investigation Draws Attention
The involvement of a law enforcement agency in an investigation concerning alleged dressing-room leaks has attracted considerable attention in Pakistan’s cricketing circles.
Pakistan’s national cricketers have faced disciplinary investigations in the past, although previous cases were generally handled through cricketing authorities or dedicated inquiry committees.
Following Pakistan’s difficult tour of Australia in 2009-10, an inquiry committee recommended disciplinary action against several senior players. The committee included former Pakistan cricketers.
Similarly, the spot-fixing controversy during Pakistan’s 2010 tour of England resulted in both cricket-related disciplinary proceedings and legal action under UK law.
Inquiry Still Underway
The current investigation remains in progress, and no final findings have been announced against either Imam-ul-Haq or Mohammad Rizwan.
The NCCIA’s examination of the players’ devices and their responses is expected to help investigators determine whether any confidential team information was improperly shared during the England series.
The PCB’s separate internal inquiry is also expected to assess matters related to team discipline and conduct before any final decision is taken.
