Lahore High Court Allows NCCIA Inquiry Into Mohammad Rizwan
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The Lahore High Court has dismissed cricketer Mohammad Rizwan’s petition challenging an inquiry by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) into allegations linked to online betting and gambling.
Chief Justice Lahore High Court Justice Aalia Neelum issued the written judgment in the case.
Court Allows Inquiry to Continue
According to the judgment, the NCCIA is examining allegations involving Rizwan under Section 14 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
The provision relates to obtaining an unlawful financial benefit through electronic means.
The court observed that the relevant authorities should be allowed to continue their inquiry at this stage.
ICC Rules Do Not Block State Action
The court noted that the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Code does not prevent government authorities from taking action under applicable criminal or regulatory laws.
The judgment also stated that the NCCIA inquiry was within its jurisdiction and that there was no evidence at this stage that it had been initiated in bad faith.
The court further clarified that receiving a call-up notice does not, by itself, mean that a person has been formally accused of committing a crime.
Rizwan Directed to Cooperate
The Lahore High Court directed Rizwan to appear before the NCCIA and cooperate with the ongoing inquiry.
At the same time, the agency was instructed not to harass him or cause unnecessary inconvenience and to conduct the proceedings strictly in accordance with the law.
Legal Options Remain Available
The judgment said Rizwan would have the right to seek an appropriate legal remedy if he has objections to the outcome of the inquiry.
He may also approach the relevant court regarding the return of any items that were seized or taken into possession during the investigation.
The case remains an inquiry into allegations, and the court’s decision does not itself establish that Rizwan committed any offence.
