PCB Reportedly Stops Mohammad Rizwan From Speaking Publicly About NCCIA Inquiry
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan twice sought permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to speak publicly about the ongoing National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) inquiry but was denied on both occasions, according to people familiar with the matter.
Mohammad Rizwan wanted to clarify his position over the inquiry, including the seizure of his mobile phone following the Lord’s Test against England.
He also intended to address the allegations against him and explain details of a letter he had written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the matter.
According to individuals aware of the development, Rizwan formally approached the PCB for permission under the terms of his central contract. However, the board turned down his request both times.
Clause 4.1 of the central contract requires players to seek permission before making public statements on matters covered by the agreement. Rizwan, however, wanted to invoke Clause 16, which provides for mutual cooperation between the PCB and the player.
Those familiar with the matter said Rizwan was not seeking to accuse the PCB or any other organization. His intention was to explain his position and present the sequence of events publicly.
The controversy stems from the seizure of Rizwan’s mobile phone after the Lord’s Test in England as part of an ongoing NCCIA inquiry.
During a Lahore High Court (LHC) hearing last week, Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, told Chief Justice Aalia Neelum that the cricketer had been called to a hotel lobby after the Test and questioned without being served a notice.
His counsel said the phone was taken into custody after Rizwan was assured that it would be returned within three hours. The device has still not been returned.
Mohammad Rizwan also sought guidance from the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) over the seizure of his phone.
He reportedly asked whether the ICC or the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) anti-corruption authorities were aware of, or involved in, the action against him.
The wicketkeeper-batter also sought clarification on whether the process used to request, transfer, and conduct a forensic examination of his phone was in line with the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.
The NCCIA inquiry relates to online betting and gambling in Pakistan cricket. Reports have also linked the investigation to alleged leaks of information from the Pakistan dressing room during the Test series against England.
Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the agency in Lahore earlier this month, although no final finding against either player has been officially announced.
Both players were among seven cricketers released from Pakistan’s Test squad following the defeat to England at Lord’s.
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