LAHORE: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has submitted a written response to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), questioning the allegations against him and the agency’s authority to investigate the matter.
In his two-page response, Rizwan said he had not been informed about the online gambling operation he was allegedly linked to or the role he was accused of playing.
He said he had tried to obtain details of the allegations but had received no clear explanation.
Rizwan also questioned why the case was being investigated by the NCCIA instead of the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit.
He argued that the ICC’s anti-corruption body has the relevant authority to investigate allegations involving cricket players.
The cricketer asked the NCCIA to disclose the allegations against him. He said any suspected wrongdoing could then be referred to the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit.
Lahore High Court Dismisses Rizwan’s Petition
Rizwan’s response came after the Lahore High Court dismissed his petition challenging the NCCIA proceedings on Thursday.
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard arguments from Rizwan’s lawyer, Umair Qazi, who argued that the notices issued to his client were unjustified and beyond the agency’s jurisdiction.
The court directed Rizwan to respond to the show-cause notice and appear before the NCCIA. It also noted that an earlier response had been rejected before fresh notices were issued.
NCCIA Examines Players’ Phone Data
Rizwan and Pakistan teammate Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the NCCIA in Lahore on September 10.
The players appeared as part of an inquiry into alleged dressing-room leaks during Pakistan’s tour of England. They requested additional time to submit their written responses.
Investigators are examining data from the players’ mobile phones, which were handed over by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The inquiry includes contacts and activity during the England tour, alongside allegations concerning information leaks.
Sources said at least one other Pakistan player has also received a notice from the agency.
The investigation follows the PCB’s internal disciplinary review into “discipline and conduct” after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats against England in the Test series.
The defeats led to seven players being recalled home before the completion of the tour.
