The Lahore High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Mohammed Rizwan against the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The court has directed the cricketer to respond to the agency’s inquiries.
Rizwan had filed a writ petition challenging a summons issued by the NCCIA regarding an investigation into alleged online betting and gambling in Pakistan cricket. In his filing, Rizwan argued that the agency had failed to specify the reasons for the inquiry and questioned its jurisdiction over the matter. The petition stated that the allegations were misconceived and an attempt to damage his reputation.
The petition further contended that the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit is the body mandated to investigate allegations of corruption, including spot-fixing and betting, in international cricket. Rizwan’s legal team argued that because the matter had not been referred to the ICC, the NCCIA’s assumption of jurisdiction lacked a lawful basis.
The legal challenge also detailed an incident following a match at Lord’s, where Rizwan alleged he was interrogated by an officer in a hotel lobby at 1:00 AM and his mobile phone was confiscated. According to the petition, Rizwan was assured the device would be returned within three hours, but it remained in the agency’s possession.
The court dismissed the petition following a hearing on Thursday. It remains unclear whether Rizwan will appeal the decision or comply with the agency’s request for information. Other players have also been involved in the inquiry; opener Imam-ul-Haq reportedly responded to the agency by completing a questionnaire.
The development follows a broader internal review by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding team discipline and conduct following a series loss to England. The PCB has stated it is conducting an internal disciplinary inquiry in accordance with its regulations.
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