LHC Chief Justice Declines to Hear Mohammad Rizwan’s Petition Against NCCIA Probe
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Lahore High Court Chief Justice Alia Neelum has declined to hear a petition filed by Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan against an inquiry being conducted by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, appeared before the court on Thursday and argued that the cricketer had been unlawfully summoned by the agency through a notice issued on September 8.
The court directed the lawyer to submit a written response to the NCCIA notice before pursuing the matter further.
Rizwan and Imam Appeared Before Agency
Rizwan and fellow Pakistan cricketer Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the NCCIA on September 10 after receiving notices from the agency.
The proceedings involving Rizwan reportedly relate to allegations concerning online betting or gambling linked to Pakistan cricket.
Following his appearance, Rizwan approached the Lahore High Court, challenging both the notice and the inquiry.
During Thursday’s hearing, Chief Justice Neelum told Rizwan’s counsel to respond to the agency’s notice first.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Rizwan’s lawyer later said that a response had already been submitted to the NCCIA.
Rizwan Challenges Legality of Inquiry
In his petition, Rizwan questioned the legal basis and wording of the NCCIA notice.
His plea stated that the notice was vague and arbitrary and argued that the agency lacked jurisdiction to conduct the inquiry in the manner described.
The petition further claimed that online betting was not a scheduled offence under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, including amendments introduced in 2025.
Rizwan’s legal team argued that the investigation amounted to a broad inquiry without a clearly established legal basis.
Cricketer Seeks Protection From Coercive Action
Rizwan also expressed concerns about possible coercive measures during the investigation.
Through his petition, he asked the Lahore High Court to set aside the NCCIA notice, end the inquiry and prevent authorities from taking adverse action against him.
The court, however, did not proceed with the petition at this stage and instead directed his counsel to first respond to the agency’s notice.
PCB Complaint Led to NCCIA Inquiry
The NCCIA investigation reportedly followed a complaint submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during Pakistan’s recent Test series against England.
The three-match series ended with Pakistan suffering a 3-0 defeat.
Initial reports suggested that the investigation was connected to alleged leaks from the Pakistan team dressing room during the England series.
The PCB had also announced on September 7 that it had started an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct within the team.
Rizwan and Imam Barred From Domestic Tournament
The developments also affected Rizwan and Imam’s participation in domestic cricket.
On September 11, both players were barred from taking part in the President’s Trophy Grade-I first-class tournament.
Rizwan and Imam had earlier been among seven players recalled to Pakistan following the team’s defeats in the opening two Tests against England.
The latest court proceedings add another development to the ongoing inquiry involving the two Pakistan cricketers.
