Mohammad Rizwan has escalated his dispute with Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority (NCCIA), challenging the agency’s account of his cooperation while seeking written clarification over its inquiry and the return of his mobile phone, according to a report by Geo Super.
The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter set out his position in a second letter to the NCCIA after the agency accused him of failing to cooperate with its investigation and indicated that further action could follow.
The dispute also intersects with the leadership of Pakistan cricket. The NCCIA operates under the Interior Ministry headed by Mohsin Naqvi, who simultaneously serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Rizwan challenges NCCIA account over phone access
A central point of disagreement concerns Rizwan’s mobile phone, which was taken from him in England on August 31.
Rizwan maintains that he provided the password at the time and that the device was examined in his presence. He says he was told it would be returned within three hours, but the phone has remained with the NCCIA.
Rizwan subsequently appeared before the agency on September 10. He maintains that officials had access to his unlocked phone during that appearance and reviewed his messages and other material, forming the basis of his position that he did not refuse to provide the password.
He was also informed that the digital forensic examination of the device would be completed soon.
Rizwan seeks written details of investigation
The 34-year-old is now asking the NCCIA to formally set out the basis of its inquiry.
His latest letter requests written reasons for the investigation and asks the agency to provide the date and time of any future appearance it requires from him. Rizwan has also requested that further correspondence be conducted through official channels and sent to his residential address.
The former Pakistan white-ball Captain has separately sought the return of his phone without further delay.
High Court ruling provides backdrop to latest move
Rizwan’s latest correspondence follows the Lahore High Court’s dismissal of his challenge to the NCCIA’s jurisdiction. The court directed him to cooperate with the proceedings while instructing the agency not to subject him to harassment or unnecessary inconvenience.
The ruling also allowed Rizwan to approach the appropriate court over the recovery of belongings that had not been returned to him, with his mobile phone remaining the principal item in dispute.
The latest letter therefore moves the case towards a new stage focused on the conduct and scope of the inquiry. Rizwan maintains that his previous actions demonstrate cooperation and is now seeking formal communication from the NCCIA on what it is investigating and when he may be required to appear again.
Attention now turns to the NCCIA’s response, including whether it provides the requested written details and returns the phone that has remained in its possession since August 31.
