Why Mohammad Rizwan Was Asked to Leave President’s Trophy Squad
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was unable to play in the President’s Trophy Grade-I 2026-27 after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) instructed Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to send him back amid an ongoing inquiry.
The development is linked to an inquiry into allegations concerning online betting and gambling activities. The allegations have not been established as fact, and the inquiry is continuing.
Rizwan had joined the SNGPL squad in Islamabad after being left out of Pakistan’s Test team during the series against England. He was also expected to captain the department in the absence of Shan Masood.
The 34-year-old attended a team meeting and participated in a training session before the PCB contacted SNGPL and directed the department to send him back.
SNGPL management subsequently informed Rizwan of the decision, following which he travelled to Lahore.
The department had also been preparing to conduct Rizwan’s fitness assessment before receiving the PCB’s instructions. Other Pakistan players returning from England after the Test series joined their respective departments without undergoing similar fitness tests.
After reaching Lahore, Rizwan reportedly sought permission to train at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), but the request was not approved. He is currently training in Peshawar.
The development came a day after the Lahore High Court (LHC) allowed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) inquiry involving Rizwan to continue while directing the agency not to harass or unnecessarily trouble him.
LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued the written order while dismissing Rizwan’s petition challenging the inquiry.
According to the court order, the NCCIA is examining allegations related to online betting and gambling involving the Pakistan cricketer. During the proceedings, a government lawyer told the court that the matter falls under Section 14 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which concerns obtaining unlawful financial benefit.
