Mohammad Rizwan has challenged the basis of his involvement in an ongoing cyber crime investigation, asking why he was called by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), why his mobile phone remains with the authorities and what disciplinary violation is being examined. The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter raised the questions in a written response sent to the agency by courier, according to a report by Geo News.
Rizwan challenges NCCIA action
The letter shifts attention to the process surrounding the investigation as Rizwan seeks greater clarity directly from the agency. In his response, the Pakistan international questioned: “Why was I called by the NCCIA?”
Rizwan also raised the continued retention of his mobile phone, which forms part of an investigation involving digital information obtained from devices belonging to him and Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq. The PCB had initially taken custody of the phones before passing them to the relevant authorities.
The wicketkeeper-batter additionally asked the agency to identify the disciplinary issue underlying its action. Rizwan stated in his letter: “I want to know for what reason you are calling me.”
Investigation goes beyond dressing-room information
As previously reported by cricexec, Rizwan and Imam had earlier appeared at the NCCIA’s Johar Town office in Lahore, where they were questioned for around two hours before seeking additional time to provide further responses. The investigation covers alleged leaks from Pakistan’s dressing room during the England Test series, as well as contacts and meetings around practice sessions and matches.
The inquiry also encompasses financial activity involving the two players, including scrutiny of bank accounts and transactions during the relevant period. Investigators are examining digital information recovered from their phones alongside that financial activity, while no allegations against either player have been officially confirmed by the NCCIA.
Rizwan remains under wider scrutiny
The NCCIA investigation is taking place against the backdrop of significant changes involving Pakistan’s Test setup following defeats in England. Rizwan and Imam were among seven players released from the squad after the second Test at Lord’s, while Head Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and Bowling Coach Umar Gul were also removed from the touring group.
The PCB has separately examined disciplinary matters surrounding the team and sought an explanation from a selection committee member over the inclusion of Rizwan and Imam in Pakistan’s Test squads for the West Indies and England tours. Rizwan’s latest response leaves the NCCIA inquiry ongoing, with his questions over the reason for his summons, the status of his phone and the disciplinary issue still awaiting clarification.
