PCB Reportedly Stops Mohammad Rizwan From Speaking Publicly About NCCIA Inquiry

Pakistan cricket's Mohammad Rizwan attempted to speak publicly about the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency's (NCCIA) inquiry but was refused twice by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), according to people familiar with the situation. Rizwan wished to clarify his position on the inquiry, including the seizure of his phone after the Lord’s Test against England, and explain details about a letter he wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

He sought permission under his central contract but was denied both times. Clause 4.1 of the agreement requires players to seek approval before making public statements on matters covered by it. Rizwan instead wished to utilize Clause 16, which promotes mutual cooperation between the PCB and the player, aiming to explain his position and present the sequence of events.

The controversy involves the seizure of Rizwan’s mobile phone during the Test in England as part of the NCCIA inquiry. His lawyer told the Lahore High Court that Rizwan was questioned in a hotel lobby without a notice and that the phone was taken into custody after being assured it would be returned within three hours. The device has not been returned yet.

Rizwan also reached out to the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) to inquire about the investigation, whether the ICC or the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) were aware of or involved in the action against him, and if the forensic examination of the phone complied with the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. The NCCIA inquiry is related to online betting and gambling in Pakistani cricket, with reports linking it to leaks of information from the Pakistani dressing room during the England Test series.

Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq met with the NCCIA earlier this month, although no final verdict against either player has been officially announced. Both were among seven cricketers removed from Pakistan’s Test squad following the loss to England at Lord’s.