Here’s Why Mohammad Rizwan Was Not Allowed to Play President’s Trophy

Mohammad Rizwan was barred from participating in the President’s Trophy Grade-I 2026-27 due to a probe into suspected online betting and gambling activities, not any fitness test issue. The all-rounder had transferred to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in Islamabad after being removed from Pakistan’s Test team during the England series.

With Shan Masood absent, Rizwan was set to captain SNGPL in the ongoing eight-team first-class competition. He joined the team’s practice and met with the squad before the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reached out to SNGPL on the same day, ordering the department to recall Rizwan due to the ongoing investigation. SNGPL then informed Rizwan, who departed for Lahore.

The department also intended to perform his fitness test before receiving the PCB’s orders. However, unlike other returning Pakistani players, Rizwan did not face a fitness test upon arrival in Lahore. After his return, Rizwan asked the PCB for permission to train at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), but his request was denied.

The 34-year-old is presently training in his hometown of Peshawar. This situation unfolded the day after the Lahore High Court (LHC) instructed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to refrain from harassing Rizwan while permitting the inquiry to proceed. LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum made the written ruling while dismissing Rizwan’s appeal against the NCCIA’s investigation.

The probe centers on allegations of online betting and gambling involving the Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter, falling under Section 14 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which addresses unlawful financial gain.