The Lahore High Court (LHC) dismissed Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan’s petition challenging notices issued to him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition, while Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, appeared before the court.
During the hearing, Ali argued that the allegations against Rizwan were false and baseless. He told the court that the cricketer had been called to a hotel lobby after the Lord’s Test and questioned without being served a notice.
According to the lawyer, Rizwan’s mobile phone was also taken into custody after he was assured that it would be returned within three hours. However, Ali said the phone had still not been returned and argued that the delay reflected bad faith.
He further contended that the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit was the appropriate forum for dealing with corruption-related allegations involving cricketers. However, he said no matter concerning Rizwan had been referred to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit.
During the proceedings, Justice Neelum expressed displeasure with Rizwan’s lawyer for failing to bring the case file to court.
The chief justice observed that Rizwan had been summoned by the NCCIA on September 10 and had complied with the summons.
“You were called on September 10 and you complied with it. What brings you to court now?” Justice Neelum asked.
She directed Rizwan’s lawyer to approach the agency, explain his position and submit a response to the notices.
“Go there, tell them and respond to the notice,” Justice Neelum said.
The court subsequently dismissed Rizwan’s petition.
According to the NCCIA notice, an inquiry into online betting and gambling is underway.
Rizwan had challenged the notice by questioning the agency’s jurisdiction and the basis of the inquiry. He maintained that the notice did not identify any specific allegation or explain what illegal activity he was allegedly involved in.
He also said that he repeatedly asked investigators to clarify the allegations during his appearance but did not receive any answers.
Rizwan later submitted a written response to the agency through courier, seeking clarification about the reasons for his summons and asking why his mobile phone had not been returned.
Rizwan and Pakistan Test opener Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the NCCIA at its Johar Town office in Lahore earlier this month.
According to reports, the two players were questioned for around two hours in connection with an investigation into alleged information leaks from the Pakistan dressing room during the Test series against England.
Investigators also questioned them about their contacts and meetings during practice sessions and matches in England.
Reports said the agency had been conducting forensic and technical analysis of their mobile phones while also examining financial dealings and suspected transactions involving the two players.
Messages, contacts and other digital information retrieved from the phones were also being reviewed as part of the inquiry.
The NCCIA has not officially announced any final finding against either player.
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