Mohammad Rizwan Confirms NCCIA Appearance, Seeks Written Details of Inquiry
KARACHI: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has confirmed that he will appear before the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority (NCCIA) on Friday, October 2.
However, he has asked the agency to provide written details of the allegations under investigation.
In his third letter to the authority, a copy of which was obtained by Geo News, Rizwan acknowledged receiving the notice and confirmed his appearance.
The former Pakistan white-ball captain said he still did not understand the exact nature of the inquiry.
Rizwan Seeks Clarity on Allegations
Rizwan said the first notice referred to allegations involving online betting and gambling. He added that the agency had also mentioned electronic fraud under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 in court.
However, the latest notice did not mention betting or gambling allegations.
“Is the inquiry still related to online betting or gambling?” Rizwan asked in his letter.
The 34-year-old also requested clarification on the specific provisions of PECA 2016 relevant to the investigation.
He asked the NCCIA to confirm in writing whether the inquiry’s scope had changed since the first notice.
Rizwan said the betting and gambling allegations had become linked to claims that could affect his reputation and cricket career.
He also asked whether the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit or any other cricketing body had been informed.
He further sought confirmation of whether the NCCIA had contacted or obtained information from the PCB or ICC.
Rizwan Raises Concerns Over Mobile Phone
A significant part of the letter focused on Rizwan’s mobile phone, which remains with the NCCIA.
He said he provided the device’s password in England. The phone was later unlocked and examined in his presence.
However, Rizwan said he had not received a seizure receipt, warrant, custody record or written explanation for the agency’s continued possession of the device.
He asked whether the NCCIA required any further cooperation for the forensic examination.
Rizwan also requested that the examination be completed without further delay and that his phone be returned immediately.
“I have still not been told what exactly I am accused of,” he said in the letter.
He reiterated his willingness to cooperate fully with any lawful inquiry.
NCCIA Issues Fresh Summons
The NCCIA had summoned Rizwan again for October 2 to conduct a forensic examination and analysis of his mobile phone.
According to the second notice, he was asked to appear in person at 3pm on Friday and cooperate with the investigation.
The notice followed Rizwan’s earlier request for written details of the inquiry and the return of his phone.
Rizwan previously said officials took his phone in England on August 31. He said he provided its password at the time and that officials examined the device in his presence.
He also stated that NCCIA officials had access to his unlocked phone when he appeared before the agency on September 10. They were able to review messages and other material, he said.
Agency sources said the NCCIA had contacted Rizwan several times seeking his cooperation.
Meanwhile, sources close to the cricketer said he had been seeking clarity about the proceedings and consulting his lawyer.
