PCB Reportedly Denies Mohammad Rizwan Permission to Speak on NCCIA Inquiry
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has reportedly been denied permission by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to publicly discuss an ongoing inquiry by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
According to people familiar with the matter, Rizwan approached the PCB on two separate occasions seeking approval to clarify his position regarding the investigation and the seizure of his mobile phone following Pakistan’s Lord’s Test against England.
The cricketer reportedly wanted to explain the circumstances surrounding the inquiry, address allegations linked to the case and discuss a letter he had sent to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Rizwan Sought PCB Approval
Sources familiar with the development said Rizwan formally requested permission under the terms of his central contract. The PCB reportedly rejected both requests.
Clause 4.1 of the central contract requires players to obtain permission before making public statements on matters covered by the agreement.
Rizwan reportedly sought to rely on Clause 16, which outlines cooperation between the PCB and the player. People familiar with the matter said his intention was not to make accusations against the PCB or another organisation, but to publicly explain his position and provide his account of events.
The matter follows the reported seizure of Rizwan’s mobile phone after the Lord’s Test as part of the ongoing NCCIA inquiry.
Lahore High Court Hearing
The issue was also discussed during a recent Lahore High Court (LHC) hearing.
Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, told Chief Justice Aalia Neelum that the cricketer had been called to a hotel lobby after the Test and questioned without being served a formal notice, according to the report.
His counsel further stated that Rizwan’s phone was taken after he was told it would be returned within three hours. The device has reportedly not yet been returned.
Rizwan also sought guidance from the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) regarding the seizure.
He reportedly asked whether the ICC or England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) anti-corruption authorities were aware of or involved in the action. He also sought clarification about whether the procedures for requesting, transferring and conducting a forensic examination of his phone complied with the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.
NCCIA Inquiry Continues
The NCCIA inquiry reportedly concerns online betting and gambling-related activities associated with Pakistan cricket. Reports have also connected the investigation 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. However, no final finding or official determination against either player has been announced.
Both cricketers were among seven players released from Pakistan’s Test squad following the team’s defeat to England at Lord’s.
The inquiry remains ongoing, and further details are expected as the relevant authorities continue their proceedings.
