LHC dismisses Rizwan petition against NCCIA notices

The Lahore High Court on Thursday dismissed Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan’s petition challenging notices issued to him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which is investigating alleged online betting and gambling activity.

LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition. Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, argued that the allegations were baseless and questioned the agency’s jurisdiction. He told the court that Rizwan had been called to a hotel lobby after the Lord’s Test, where his mobile phone was taken and he was questioned without first receiving a notice.

Ali said Rizwan had been assured that the phone would be returned within three hours, but it had remained with investigators. He also argued that corruption-related matters involving cricketers should fall under the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit.

Justice Neelum noted that Rizwan had been summoned by the NCCIA on September 10 and had complied with the notice. She directed his lawyer to approach the agency, explain Rizwan’s position and submit a response before dismissing the petition.

Rizwan later submitted a written response through courier, seeking clarification about the reasons for the summons and the continued custody of his phone.

Rizwan and Test opener Imam-ul-Haq were questioned by the NCCIA earlier this month. According to sources cited by Geo News, investigators examined alleged dressing-room information leaks during Pakistan’s England tour, as well as the players’ contacts, meetings and financial transactions. Their phones were also subjected to forensic and technical analysis.

The inquiry follows major changes to Pakistan’s Test setup after defeats in England. Rizwan and Imam were among seven players released from the Test squad following the Lord’s defeat.

The NCCIA has not announced any final finding against either player.