Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan remains involved in an ongoing inquiry by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), with investigators examining his mobile phone in connection with allegations related to online betting, gambling and the possible leaking of team information.
The inquiry has continued for several weeks after the NCCIA took possession of Rizwan’s mobile phone during Pakistan’s Test tour of England. The case has attracted considerable attention in Pakistan cricket, particularly because of questions raised by the former Pakistan captain regarding the exact scope of the investigation.
NCCIA Examines Mohammad Rizwan’s Mobile Phone
The Mohammad Rizwan NCCIA inquiry began after the agency took custody of his mobile phone in England on August 31, according to reports. Rizwan has said that he provided the password to officials and that the device was examined in his presence.
The NCCIA later summoned the Pakistan cricketer to cooperate with a forensic examination and analysis of the phone. A second notice was issued under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, requesting Rizwan’s appearance before investigators.
Rizwan subsequently appeared before the agency in Lahore on October 2. Reports said he spent more than three hours at the NCCIA office while a four-member investigation team questioned him and dealt with the forensic examination of the device.
The cricketer has also sought the return of his phone and written clarification about the reasons behind the investigation.
Online Betting and Gambling Allegations Under Investigation
The Mohammad Rizwan NCCIA inquiry reportedly concerns allegations involving online betting and gambling, alongside claims relating to the possible leaking of information from the Pakistan dressing room.
However, it is important to distinguish between an investigation and a finding of wrongdoing. Available reports do not establish that Rizwan has been found guilty of betting, gambling or leaking confidential team information.
Rizwan has repeatedly sought clarification regarding the precise allegations. In a letter to the agency, he reportedly questioned whether the investigation was still specifically related to online betting and gambling because the wording of a later notice did not expressly mention those allegations.
The matter also reached the Lahore High Court after Rizwan challenged the NCCIA summons. The court allowed the inquiry to continue and directed the cricketer to cooperate, while also stating that the investigation should be conducted according to law.
What the Lahore High Court Said
The Lahore High Court’s proceedings added an important legal dimension to the case. According to reports, the government argued that the inquiry concerned provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
The court held that the NCCIA could continue its inquiry at this stage and noted that a summons itself does not amount to a finding that a crime has been committed. Rizwan retained the right to pursue legal remedies regarding the eventual outcome of the investigation.
This distinction remains significant as the investigation develops.
Rizwan Seeks Clarity From Investigators
The Mohammad Rizwan NCCIA inquiry has also involved several communications between the cricketer and the investigation agency.
Rizwan has reportedly asked the NCCIA to clarify the nature and scope of the proceedings and has questioned why his mobile phone remained in the agency’s possession. He also sought details about whether cricket authorities had been informed about the investigation.
After appearing before the NCCIA on October 2, Rizwan did not provide details about the questioning. When reporters asked about the allegations, he directed them toward the agency rather than commenting on the substance of the case.
The NCCIA has likewise not publicly announced a final finding against the cricketer.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
For now, the Mohammad Rizwan NCCIA inquiry remains unresolved. The forensic examination of the mobile phone and any information gathered by investigators could determine the next stage of the proceedings.
The case has become an important off-field development surrounding one of Pakistan’s most experienced international cricketers. Rizwan has continued to seek clarity while cooperating with the investigation following the court’s direction.
For Pakistan cricket fans, the focus will now be on whether the NCCIA provides further information about its findings or takes any additional legal action. Until an official conclusion is announced, the allegations should remain treated as allegations rather than established facts.
Howzzat will continue to follow developments involving Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan cricket and the NCCIA inquiry as further official information becomes available.
