Pakistan Wicketkeeper Batter Mohammad Rizwan’s alleged lack of cooperation has delayed an ongoing National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) inquiry, with the agency considering further action if it is unable to secure his participation, according to a report by Geo Super.
Investigators are seeking Rizwan’s availability for a forensic examination of his mobile phone, which was seized along with that of Pakistan Opening Batter Imam-ul-Haq following the national team’s Test series against England.
The investigation concerns online betting and gambling in Pakistan cricket, while information allegedly leaked from the Pakistan dressing room during the England series has also been linked to the probe. No final finding has been announced against either player, with the inquiry remaining at an initial stage.
Investigators seek Rizwan’s cooperation
NCCIA investigators have made several attempts to contact Rizwan as they seek to move the inquiry forward. At times they have been unable to reach him, while on other occasions the wicketkeeper batter has indicated that he would consult his lawyer before responding.
The agency is expected to contact Rizwan again on Monday. A formal notice and further action under the law could be considered if investigators remain unable to secure his cooperation.
Rizwan’s presence is considered necessary for the planned forensic examination of his phone. While investigators have an alternative method available to conduct the examination without him, that process carries a risk of data loss.
The NCCIA has also offered to send an investigation team to Rizwan if he is unable to attend its office.
Questions remain over forensic examination
Rizwan previously appeared before investigators in Lahore, where he was questioned about a number of contacts. Some of his responses were considered insufficient by investigators, leading them to seek forensic analysis of his phone as part of efforts to address outstanding questions.
Rizwan, however, has yet to receive a fresh notice from the NCCIA. Sources close to the cricketer have maintained that his initial notice arrived through WhatsApp and that questions subsequently sent by him to the agency have not received a response.
His position is that he will appear before investigators after receiving a notice in accordance with the law.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to handle the matter involving Rizwan and Imam. The two players were among seven members of Pakistan’s Test squad released following the team’s defeat to England at Lord’s.
Imam forensic process moves forward
While Rizwan’s participation remains unresolved, Imam is now cooperating with investigators following initial hesitation. Forensic examination of the opening batter’s mobile phone is underway.
The inquiry began after material identified during cyber patrolling was considered suspicious, prompting the agency to investigate further. The NCCIA maintains that its actions are being conducted under the law and that the process does not conflict with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Code of Conduct.
There has been no contact between the NCCIA and ICC over the investigation.
The agency’s stated objective is to establish the facts and clear the cricketers as quickly as possible if no violation is identified. Further clarity is expected once the forensic analysis is completed, while Rizwan’s participation remains necessary for investigators to progress that part of the inquiry.
