Mohammad Rizwan’s troubles following Pakistan’s England tour have taken another turn, with the wicketkeeper-batter approaching the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) for clarity over the seizure of his mobile phone by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The move comes days after the Lahore High Court dismissed his petition challenging the agency’s notices, leaving the Pakistan cricketer seeking answers over the handling of his device and the procedures followed during the ongoing inquiry.According to sources quoted by Geo News, Rizwan submitted an online request through the ICC ACU portal, asking whether the ICC or the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was aware of, or involved in, the action taken against him.
Rizwan seeks clarity over ICC anti-corruption procedures
Sources said Rizwan’s request was not intended as a complaint against any individual or organisation. Instead, the Pakistan batter has sought clarification on the procedures followed in his case and the role, if any, of the ICC or ECB in the seizure of his mobile phone.The former Pakistan white-ball captain has also asked whether the process of requesting his phone, transferring it from England to Pakistan and conducting a forensic examination was in accordance with the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.Rizwan has further sought guidance on his responsibilities and the steps he should follow while cooperating with anti-corruption authorities in the future.
Lahore High Court dismisses Rizwan’s petition
The development comes days after the Lahore High Court dismissed Rizwan’s petition challenging notices issued to him by the NCCIA. During Thursday’s hearing, Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, told Chief Justice Aalia Neelum that the cricketer had been called to a hotel lobby after the Lord’s Test in England and questioned without being served a notice.According to his counsel, Rizwan’s mobile phone was taken into custody after he was assured that it would be returned within three hours. However, the device has not yet been returned.Rizwan’s lawyer also questioned the NCCIA’s jurisdiction, arguing that the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit was the appropriate forum for matters involving alleged corruption-related violations by cricketers. The court directed Rizwan to respond to the NCCIA’s notice before dismissing his petition.
NCCIA probe linked to betting and alleged dressing-room leaks
The NCCIA notice relates to an inquiry into 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.Rizwan and fellow batter Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the agency in Lahore earlier this month as part of the investigation.No final findings against Rizwan or Imam have been officially announced.
