Mohammad Rizwan has confirmed he will appear before Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority (NCCIA) on October 2 after receiving a second notice, while simultaneously pressing the agency through a third letter to define the allegations and scope of its inquiry, according to a report by Geo News.
The latest developments bring two strands of the case together: the NCCIA is seeking Rizwan’s cooperation with the forensic examination of his mobile phone, while the former Pakistan white-ball Captain is asking for greater clarity over the basis on which the investigation is proceeding.
Rizwan set for second NCCIA appearance
Rizwan has been directed to appear in person at the NCCIA Police Station in Lahore at 3pm on October 2. It will be his second appearance before the agency after he previously attended proceedings on September 10.
The latest notice seeks his cooperation with the forensic examination and analysis of the mobile phone already held by the NCCIA. Sources close to Rizwan have indicated that the 34-year-old will attend alongside his lawyer.
His planned appearance follows a Lahore High Court ruling that directed him to cooperate with the proceedings while requiring the NCCIA to conduct its inquiry in accordance with the law and not subject him to harassment or unnecessary inconvenience.
Third letter presses NCCIA on scope of investigation
The first notice had referred to online betting and gambling, while electronic fraud under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 had also been mentioned during court proceedings. The latest notice, however, did not refer to the earlier betting and gambling allegations.
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan asked in his third letter to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority: “Is the inquiry still related to online betting or gambling?”
Rizwan has also sought identification of the specific PECA 2016 provisions relevant to the proceedings and written confirmation if the scope of the inquiry has changed since the original notice. He raised further questions over whether the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit or another relevant cricket body had been informed about the investigation, as well as whether the NCCIA had contacted or obtained information from the PCB or ICC.
Seized phone remains central to proceedings
Rizwan’s mobile phone has remained with the NCCIA since it was taken from him in England on August 31. He has maintained that he provided the password at the time and that the unlocked device was examined in his presence.
When Rizwan subsequently appeared before the agency on September 10, officials had access to the unlocked phone and reviewed its messages and other material. His latest correspondence asks what further assistance, if any, is required from him for the forensic examination to be completed.
The letter also raises the documentation surrounding the NCCIA’s continued possession of the phone. Rizwan said he had not received a seizure receipt, warrant, custody record or written document setting out the basis on which the device remained with the agency.
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan said in his third letter to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority: “I have still not been told what exactly I am accused of.”
He has requested that the forensic examination be completed without further delay and that his mobile phone be returned immediately.
October 2 appearance becomes next step
The NCCIA had previously said through agency sources that investigators made several attempts to secure Rizwan’s cooperation, with contact either unsuccessful on some occasions or followed by Rizwan indicating that he would consult his lawyer. Sources close to the cricketer, meanwhile, said he had been consulting legal counsel during the proceedings.
Rizwan’s confirmed appearance on October 2 now marks the next scheduled step in the inquiry, with the agency seeking his participation in the forensic process involving the phone that has remained in its possession since August 31.
