Mohammad Rizwan Challenges NCCIA Summons in Lahore High Court

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan has approached the Lahore High Court to challenge a summons issued by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in connection with an ongoing inquiry.

The NCCIA had summoned Rizwan and fellow Pakistan cricketer Imam-ul-Haq as part of an investigation into alleged online betting and gambling activities.

Rizwan Questions NCCIA Proceedings

In his petition before the Lahore High Court, Rizwan has raised questions about the agency’s jurisdiction and the scope of the inquiry.

The cricketer has also requested the court to suspend the NCCIA proceedings until his petition is decided.

According to the petition, the notice issued to Rizwan referred to an inquiry involving online betting and gambling but did not identify a specific activity or allegation against him.

Rizwan further stated that he asked officials during his appearance to clarify the allegations and explain what specific activity was under investigation. He claimed that his questions were not adequately answered.

Request to Suspend Investigation

Based on these grounds, Rizwan has asked the Lahore High Court to halt the proceedings until the court reaches a decision on his petition.

The case concerns the scope and procedure of the NCCIA inquiry, while the allegations mentioned in the summons have not been established as wrongdoing by Rizwan.

Imam-ul-Haq Responds to Questionnaire

The NCCIA had also provided questionnaires to both Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, asking them to submit their responses by September 15.

Imam-ul-Haq has submitted his response to the agency, while Rizwan has chosen to challenge the summons through the Lahore High Court.

The development follows the recent recall of both cricketers from Pakistan’s tour of England. The NCCIA inquiry was subsequently initiated, with the agency seeking information from the players as part of its investigation.

Further proceedings will depend on the Lahore High Court’s response to Rizwan’s petition.