Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has received permission to resume domestic cricket after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) cleared his return. He will captain Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in the final round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I 2026–27.
An inquiry into alleged online betting and gambling activities delayed his participation in the eight-team first-class tournament. SNGPL Director of Cricket Mohammad Hafeez confirmed that the PCB’s director of domestic cricket had granted clearance for the wicketkeeper-batter to rejoin the team from October 19.
PCB Clears Rizwan’s Return After Betting Inquiry
According to a report by Geo News, Mohammad Rizwan joined SNGPL after his mid-series omission from Pakistan’s Test squad during the England tour. He was expected to captain the departmental side in the absence of regular skipper Shan Masood.
The 34-year-old reportedly attended a training session and a team meeting before the PCB intervened. The board contacted SNGPL management and directed it to send Rizwan back to Lahore, citing the ongoing inquiry. The department’s management subsequently informed the batter of the decision.
The report stated that SNGPL had been prepared to conduct a fitness test on Rizwan before the PCB stepped in. Sources also noted that other Pakistan players who returned from England after the Test series had not faced similar testing requirements.
Mohammad Rizwan’s PCB Communication Resumes Amid Nepal Premier League NOC Request
According to Geo News, communication between Rizwan and the PCB resumed earlier this week. However, the batter had not approached the board specifically to seek permission to play in the President’s Trophy.
Rizwan had contacted the PCB to request a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the upcoming Nepal Premier League. He had reportedly finalised a deal with a franchise and was waiting for the board’s decision on his participation in the overseas tournament.
During this period, SNGPL management also approached Rizwan and asked him to rejoin the department for the final round of the President’s Trophy. Mohammad Hafeez confirmed that the batter had received clearance from the PCB’s director of domestic cricket.
Geo News reported that efforts were underway to improve relations between Rizwan and the PCB. However, his return to domestic cricket does not mean the board has approved his request to play in Nepal.
PCB Yet to Respond to Mohammad Rizwan’s Nepal Premier League NOC Request
Mohammad Rizwan is still awaiting the PCB’s response to his NOC request for the Nepal Premier League. According to the report, the board is reluctant to grant clearance for overseas franchise leagues while domestic competitions are underway in Pakistan.
The report suggests that the PCB may issue its decision after the President’s Trophy concludes. It remains reluctant to approve overseas participation while domestic tournaments are in progress.
For now, Rizwan is set to return to SNGPL for the final round of the President’s Trophy, while his participation in the Nepal Premier League remains subject to the PCB’s decision.
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