Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq have been questioned by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) as scrutiny surrounding the national team intensifies following its Test series in England, with investigators examining the players’ phones, financial transactions and alleged dressing-room leaks.
The two Pakistan internationals appeared at the NCCIA’s Johar Town office in Lahore on Thursday and were questioned for around two hours, according to a report by Geo News. They subsequently requested additional time to provide further responses, while at least one of the players was given a questionnaire to complete and return to investigators.
The inquiry has since expanded beyond the initial questioning. Digital information recovered from their mobile phones is undergoing forensic and technical analysis, while financial activity involving both players before and after the England series is also being examined.
NCCIA examines phones and financial transactions
Investigators are scrutinising Rizwan and Imam’s bank accounts and transactions during the relevant period, including the origin and destination of funds if any suspicious activity is identified. Payments potentially involving companies, individuals or organisations also form part of the financial examination.
Data from the players’ phones is being assessed alongside that work, including messages, contacts and other digital information. The investigation is also examining alleged leaks of information from Pakistan’s dressing room during the England series, as well as the players’ contacts and meetings around practice sessions and matches.
The PCB had taken custody of the players’ phones before passing them to the relevant authorities, although the board has not publicly explained its reasons for doing so. A third Pakistan player has also received a notice from the NCCIA.
No allegations against Rizwan or Imam have been officially confirmed by the NCCIA.
Imam could face disciplinary action
Imam now faces an additional issue beyond the joint NCCIA investigation, with an initial case prepared against the opener over allegations involving his injury during the England series, dressing-room information and breaches of team discipline, according to a report by Geo News.
The allegations include claims that Imam faked an injury and leaked information from within the dressing room. He could face a ban if disciplinary action follows from the process.
Scrutiny of the opener also extends to an earlier injury during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand. That matter has been reopened after concerns had previously been raised by the PCB, with a two-year ban having been recommended following an earlier inquiry. No ban was ultimately imposed after a former Head Coach, former Selector and former Captain intervened and met officials over the matter.
During the England tour, Imam was diagnosed with a grade-one tear in his left calf after the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s. He did not take the field during either England innings and struggled physically while attempting light work during the pre-match warm-ups on the final morning.
PCB Chief Selector and Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed subsequently publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding Imam’s injury and warned that the matter would be investigated.
England defeats trigger wider PCB scrutiny
The developments come amid significant fallout from Pakistan’s difficult Test series in England. After losing the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs, Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat at Lord’s.
The PCB responded by releasing seven players from the squad: Rizwan, Imam, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. Head Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and Bowling Coach Umar Gul were also removed from the touring group.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in an interview with Geo Network: “We have had a discussion to ascertain the reasons behind it. They include factors beyond performance and we will get to the bottom of it.”
The board also opened an internal disciplinary inquiry following media coverage concerning player discipline and conduct. That process is being handled under PCB regulations.
Rizwan and Imam selections also examined
Separate questions have been raised within the PCB over how Rizwan and Imam were selected for Pakistan’s Test squads for the West Indies and England tours.
A formal notice issued on August 31 sought a written explanation from a selection committee member involved in the June 2 meeting at which the two players were considered. The board gave the committee member 24 hours to explain the rationale for their inclusion, including the selection criteria, performance considerations and process behind the final decision.
Misbah-ul-Haq subsequently resigned from his position on the selection committee following the changes to Pakistan’s squad.
Rizwan and Imam have also been ruled ineligible for the President’s Trophy after failing to undertake mandatory fitness testing required by the PCB for players participating in domestic competitions. Imam had been named OGDCL Captain and Rizwan SNGPL Vice-Captain for the President’s Trophy and Cup before their ineligibility.
With the NCCIA continuing its examination of digital and financial information and the PCB conducting its own disciplinary processes, the scrutiny surrounding both players remains ongoing, while Imam separately faces the possibility of further action over the allegations against him.
