Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq have been questioned by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore, adding another layer to the controversy surrounding the team’s troubled Test tour of England.
The two batters were among seven players removed from Pakistan’s squad and sent home following the 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s. They were later summoned by the NCCIA and appeared before the agency on Thursday. At least one of them is understood to have spent several hours there.
The reason for the questioning has not been disclosed. It is also unclear whether the NCCIA proceedings are connected to a separate inquiry launched by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) into the players’ conduct and discipline during the tour.
The PCB announced its internal investigation earlier this week following media reports, saying the matter was being examined under its own regulations. At least one player has reportedly received a questionnaire from the NCCIA and has been asked to submit his responses next week.
Pakistan made sweeping changes after their heavy loss at Lord’s, which followed an innings-and-103-run defeat in the opening Test. Seven players were removed, along with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, while seven replacements were sent to England. Five of the replacements had not yet played international cricket.
Rizwan had endured a difficult series with the bat, scoring 12, 41, 7 and 1 in his four innings. His wicketkeeping remained strong, but his dismissal for one at Lord’s drew criticism.
Imam’s situation was different. He suffered a grade-one tear in his left calf after the opening day at Lord’s and did not bat or field afterwards. PCB chief selector Aaqib Javed publicly raised questions about the injury and suggested it could be investigated.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has indicated that performance was not the only factor behind the squad changes.
“We have had a discussion to ascertain the reasons behind it,” Naqvi said. “They include factors beyond performance and we will get to the bottom of it.”
The PCB also sought explanations from selectors over Rizwan and Imam’s inclusion in the touring squads. Misbah-ul-Haq subsequently resigned from the selection panel following the changes.
