LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will decide the future of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq after reviewing the findings of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) probe, sources said on Wednesday.
The NCCIA is conducting a forensic examination of the players’ mobile phones as part of an inquiry into alleged dressing-room leaks during Pakistan’s Test series against England.
According to sources, the PCB took custody of the players’ phones before handing them over to the relevant authorities for examination.
Investigators are reviewing messages, contacts and other digital information recovered from the devices.
Information circulating on social media about alleged leaks from the Pakistan dressing room is also reportedly part of the investigation.
Forensic Examination Underway
The initial examination of the mobile phones reportedly did not reveal anything significant.
However, further forensic analysis is continuing at the NCCIA headquarters in Islamabad, sources said.
The investigation is also examining the financial dealings and suspected transactions of the two players.
Investigators are reviewing their financial activity before and after the England series, including relevant bank accounts and transactions.
If suspicious transactions are identified, investigators will reportedly trace the source and destination of the funds.
Rizwan and Imam appeared before the NCCIA in Lahore earlier this month. They were questioned about the alleged dressing-room leaks.
The agency is expected to submit its findings to the PCB after completing the forensic examination.
Rizwan Seeks Clarification
Meanwhile, Rizwan has submitted a written response to the NCCIA.
He sought clarification about the reasons for his summons and asked why his mobile phone had not yet been returned.
The PCB has previously declined to comment on the ongoing inquiry.
The allegations remain under investigation, and no final finding against either player has been announced.
PCB Takes Emergency Measures
The developments came after Pakistan’s poor performance in the England Test series.
Pakistan suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in the first Test. The team then lost the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs.
Following the Lord’s defeat, the PCB took emergency measures and released seven players.
Those released were Rizwan, Imam, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Owais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released.
Earlier, the PCB had sought a written explanation from a selection committee member over the inclusion of Rizwan and Imam in the Test squads for the West Indies and England tours.
The board issued a formal notice on August 31, referring to a selection meeting held on June 2.
Rizwan, 34, has represented Pakistan in 47 Tests, 103 ODIs and 106 T20Is.
He reportedly contacted the PCB before appearing before the NCCIA. He later travelled from London to Islamabad after being dropped from the squad.
