The Lahore High Court (LHC) has dismissed Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan’s petition challenging notices issued by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum directed Rizwan to respond to the agency’s notice instead of seeking relief from the court.
Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq have faced scrutiny following Pakistan’s 3-0 Test series defeat against England. During Thursday’s hearing, Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, argued that the allegations were baseless and raised concerns over the continued seizure of the batter’s mobile phone even after questioning.
بریکنگ نیوز
— Waqas Awan (@WaqasAwan666) September 17, 2026
کرکٹر محمد رضوان آن لائن بیٹنگ میں ملوث ہیں
لاہور ہائیکورٹ نے کرکٹر محمد رضوان کی این سی سی ائی اے نوٹسز کے خلاف درخواست مسترد کردی ۔۔
Mohammad Rizwan Questions NCCIA Jurisdiction Over Inquiry
Mohammad Rizwan challenged notices issued by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), according to Geo News. His lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, also questioned the agency’s authority to investigate corruption-related allegations involving an international cricketer.
Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum expressed displeasure with Mohammad Rizwan's lawyer for failing to bring the case file. The judge noted that Rizwan had already appeared before the NCCIA on September 10 after receiving its summons.
“You were called on September 10 and you complied with it. What brings you to court now?” Justice Neelum asked.
She then directed Rizwan’s lawyer to approach the agency and respond to the notice. “Go there, tell them, and respond to the notice,” she said before dismissing the petition.
NCCIA Probes Betting Claims and Alleged Dressing-Room Leaks
The NCCIA notice says the agency is conducting an inquiry into online betting and gambling. Mohammad Rizwan has questioned the basis of the investigation, saying the notice did not identify any specific illegal activity involving him.
Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the NCCIA at its Johar Town office in Lahore earlier this month. According to the report, investigators questioned the two players for around two hours about alleged information leaks from Pakistan’s dressing room during the England Test series.
The investigators also asked about their contacts and meetings during training sessions and matches in England. Their mobile phones are undergoing forensic and technical checks, with investigators examining messages, contacts, digital information and financial dealings.
However, the NCCIA has not announced any final findings or charges against either player. Rizwan later submitted a written response to the agency, seeking clarification over the reason for his summons and asking why his phone had not been returned.
Probe Follows Major Changes to Pakistan’s Test Setup
The NCCIA inquiry comes after Pakistan made sweeping changes to its Test setup following the series defeat in England. Rizwan and Imam were among seven players released from the squad after the second Test at Lord’s.
Pakistan lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) then made several changes ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston, including removing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.
Five uncapped players were added for the final Test, with Mike Hesson taking charge of the team. Pakistan went on to lose the match by eight wickets and completed a 3-0 series defeat. Rizwan scored 12, 41, 7 and 1 in his four innings on the tour.
The PCB also sought written explanations from its selection committee over the inclusion of Rizwan and Imam in the Test squads for the 2026 tours of the West Indies and England. According to a PCB notice issued on August 31, the committee had recommended both players during a meeting on June 2.
