Mohammad Rizwan Seeks ICC Clarification Over NCCIA Phone Investigation
Sports correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has contacted the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ICC ACU) to seek clarification about the seizure and forensic examination of his mobile phone during an ongoing investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
According to reports, Rizwan submitted a request through the ICC ACU’s online portal to determine whether the ICC or the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) anti-corruption authorities were aware of or involved in the action taken against him.
Rizwan Seeks Clarity on Investigation Procedure
The former Pakistan white-ball captain has reportedly asked the ICC whether the process used to obtain his mobile phone, transfer it from the United Kingdom to Pakistan and conduct a forensic examination complied with the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.
Rizwan has also sought guidance on his responsibilities and the appropriate procedure if he is required to cooperate with anti-corruption authorities in the future.
Reports indicate that the request was intended to seek clarification about the procedure rather than to file a complaint against any individual or organization.
Lahore High Court Dismisses Rizwan’s Petition
The development follows the Lahore High Court’s dismissal of Rizwan’s petition challenging notices issued to him by the NCCIA.
During the hearing, Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, told Chief Justice Aalia Neelum that the cricketer was called to a hotel lobby following the Lord’s Test in England and questioned without being served a notice.
According to his counsel, Rizwan handed over his mobile phone after being told that it would be returned within three hours. The lawyer said the device had not been returned at the time of the hearing.
Rizwan’s counsel also questioned the NCCIA’s jurisdiction, arguing that corruption-related matters involving international cricketers should fall under the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit.
The court directed Rizwan to respond to the NCCIA notice before dismissing his petition.
NCCIA Inquiry Into Online Betting and Gambling
The NCCIA investigation reportedly concerns online betting and gambling activities linked to Pakistan cricket. Reports have also connected the inquiry with alleged leaks of information from the Pakistan dressing room during the Test series against England.
Rizwan and fellow batter Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the agency in Lahore earlier this month.
The agency has reportedly conducted forensic and technical examinations of the players’ mobile phones and reviewed financial transactions and other digital information as part of its inquiry.
However, no final finding against Rizwan or Imam-ul-Haq has been officially announced.
Rizwan Had Earlier Sought Details From NCCIA
Rizwan had previously submitted a written response to the NCCIA seeking clarification about the reasons for his summons, the alleged disciplinary violation and the continued retention of his mobile phone.
The investigation follows Pakistan’s Test series against England. After Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s, Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq were among seven players released from the squad.
Rizwan’s latest approach to the ICC ACU is focused on seeking clarity about the procedures followed during the investigation and his obligations under the ICC’s anti-corruption framework.
