LAHORE: In a developing case involving Pakistan cricket, both Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan have been summoned by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for questioning. Rizwan, a former team captain and wicketkeeper, appeared at the NCCIA office in Lahore around 3 pm on Thursday.
The 34-year-old cricketer from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was among seven players abruptly removed from the national squad following Pakistan’s recent loss in the Lord’s Test against England. Rizwan had traveled from London to Islamabad after being unexpectedly dropped from the team.
Sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Rizwan had contacted the board before reporting to the NCCIA but did not elaborate further. The PCB has declined to comment publicly on the investigation or Rizwan’s appearance, citing ongoing inquiries.
In addition to Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq was also issued a summons as part of the investigation, which involves scrutinizing data from mobile phones seized from the players. The PCB reportedly collected the devices before handing them over to authorities, and both players are expected to unlock their phones for examination.
The probe is believed to focus on potential leaks from the dressing room during the current series against England. Reports indicate that at least one more Pakistani cricketer has received a notice from the NCCIA, though details remain undisclosed.
The PCB has not provided an official explanation for the confiscation of the players’ phones, leaving questions about the scope and motives of the investigation. The moves come amidst Pakistan’s recent heavy defeats in the first two Tests of the series, prompting drastic measures by the cricket board.
Following the team’s setbacks, the PCB announced the immediate release of seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, along with two coaching staff membershead coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. The decision was part of an emergency response to the team’s poor performance.
Earlier this month, the PCB also sought a formal written explanation from a member of its selection committee regarding the choices made for the Test squad for upcoming tours of the West Indies and England. The committee member had participated in a key meeting on June 2, which led to Rizwan and Imam being shortlisted for selection.
The PCB has emphasized the urgency of the matter, requesting the explanation within 24 hours, citing its importance in ongoing investigations. The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding Pakistan’s recent cricketing setbacks.
