Mohammad Rizwan remains caught in an unresolved investigation in Pakistan, with his involvement in domestic cricket and media activities still restricted following the England tour.
Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) is looking into allegations concerning online betting and gambling. The wicketkeeper-batter has yet to receive back the mobile phone that was seized during the investigation and has also been kept out of the President’s Trophy Grade-I competition.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not disclosed details of the investigation, saying only that an internal process is ongoing and that the matter is being handled under its regulations.
Rizwan has also sought clarification from the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit over the seizure and forensic examination of his phone. He reportedly asked whether the ICC or the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had been aware of the process or had any involvement. No response has been received from the ICC so far.
The former PCB legal chief Tafazzul Rizvi told Cricbuzz that Rizwan had, at this stage, only been served with a notice and asked to answer a questionnaire.
Rizvi, who represented the PCB during the 2010 spot-fixing case, stressed that receiving a notice or being asked to appear before an investigating agency does not itself establish wrongdoing or amount to an admission of guilt.
He also explained that Pakistan’s cyber-crime authorities have the legal power to seek information and question individuals in investigations involving activities considered illegal under the country’s laws.
Rizwan has reportedly been prevented from speaking to the media on two occasions. According to Cricbuzz, he had even indicated that he would not make allegations against the PCB, the FIA, the NCCIA, Pakistan or any individual, but was still not permitted to speak publicly.
Imam-ul-Haq was also questioned in connection with the same allegations and had his phone taken during the process. Unlike Rizwan, however, Imam has not publicly commented on the matter.
Rizwan has meanwhile been named vice-captain of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited for the President’s Trophy, but has not been allowed to play. Most Pakistan cricketers returning from the England tour are taking part in the competition.
