The Lahore High Court on Thursday dismissed Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan’s petition against notices issued by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the case while Rizwan’s lawyer Qazi Umair Ali appeared in court.
Ali told the bench that the allegations against Rizwan were completely false and baseless. He explained that the cricketer was called to a hotel lobby after the Lord’s Test and questioned without any proper notice. During that meeting, Rizwan’s mobile phone was taken after he was assured it would be returned within three hours. The phone has still not been given back, which the lawyer said showed clear bad faith on the part of the agency.
The lawyer further argued that the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit is the correct body to handle any corruption-related matters involving international cricketers. He pointed out that no such case against Rizwan had ever been referred to the ICC unit.
Justice Neelum expressed clear displeasure when the lawyer failed to bring the case file to court. She noted that Rizwan had already appeared before the NCCIA on September 10 and complied with the summons. “You were called on September 10 and you complied with it. What brings you to court now?” she asked. The Chief Justice then directed the lawyer to approach the agency, present his position there, and simply respond to the notices. Shortly afterwards the court dismissed the petition.
The NCCIA is currently investigating online betting and gambling activities. Rizwan had challenged the notice by questioning the agency’s jurisdiction and pointing out that it did not mention any specific allegation against him. Both Rizwan and Test opener Imam-ul-Haq were questioned for about two hours at the agency’s Johar Town office in Lahore. Investigators asked them about alleged dressing-room leaks during the England Test series and also examined their contacts, meetings, financial dealings and mobile phone data. The agency has not announced any final findings against either player.
The inquiry comes after major changes in Pakistan’s Test setup following the series losses to England. Rizwan and Imam were among seven players released from the squad, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed. The PCB had earlier sought written explanations from its selection committee over the inclusion of both players in recent Test tours.
