Mohammad Rizwan loses Lahore High Court plea as PCB awaits NCCIA findings

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is awaiting the findings of a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) probe before deciding whether to take disciplinary action against senior players Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq.

The development comes after the Lahore High Court dismissed Rizwan’s petition challenging the notices issued to him by the NCCIA. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum rejected the petition during Thursday’s hearing after considering arguments from both sides.

Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, informed the court that the Pakistan cricketer had received notices from the agency. Chief Justice Neelum advised the player to respond to the notices and questioned the date on which they were issued.

“You should go and respond to the notice. On which date was the notice issued to you?” Chief Justice Neelum was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Rizwan’s lawyer further claimed that the batter was questioned at a hotel following the Lord’s Test without being served a notice. He also alleged that the NCCIA took possession of Rizwan’s mobile phone during the process.

According to the lawyer, Rizwan handed over his phone after being told that it would be returned within three hours. However, he claimed that the device had not been returned yet.

NCCIA conducting forensic examination of phones

The NCCIA is reportedly examining the mobile phones taken from Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq as part of its investigation. Rizwan’s lawyer also questioned the agency’s jurisdiction, arguing that the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit should handle corruption-related concerns involving international cricketers.

He further claimed that the matter had not been referred to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit. Rizwan had approached the Lahore High Court challenging the NCCIA summons and questioning the agency’s authority to conduct the investigation.

Meanwhile, a TOI report stated that the NCCIA is carrying out a forensic examination of the phones belonging to Rizwan and Imam. The agency is expected to submit its findings to the PCB next week.

“How the PCB decides to move against the two players will now depend on what findings the NCCIA submits to the PCB. If nothing out of the ordinary is found in the forensics examination they will probably get reprieves,” the source said.

PCB to decide on disciplinary action after NCCIA report

The PCB is expected to assess the NCCIA's findings before deciding whether any disciplinary action is warranted against Rizwan and Imam. The board's next step will therefore depend largely on the outcome of the forensic examination.

For now, the focus remains on the NCCIA investigation, with the agency expected to submit its report to the PCB next week. The findings could determine whether the two senior Pakistan players face further action or receive relief from the board.