Lahore HC dismisses Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan's petition against cybercrime agency

The Lahore High Court on Thursday dismissed Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan’s petition against the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), directing him to respond to the agency’s show-cause notice and appear before it in connection with an ongoing inquiry. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition filed by Rizwan challenging the proceedings initiated by the NCCIA. The cricketer had questioned the agency’s jurisdiction and sought relief against the notices issued to him.

Court questions petition

During the hearing, Rizwan’s counsel Qazi Umair Ali argued that the NCCIA had issued notices to the cricketer without clearly specifying the allegations against him.

The counsel told the court that Rizwan had responded to an earlier notice through his lawyer, but the agency did not accept the response and subsequently issued fresh summons requiring his appearance. The Chief Justice directed Rizwan to submit his response to the show-cause notice and appear before the NCCIA. The court also raised questions over whether all relevant facts had been disclosed in the petition and observed that concealing information from the court could attract a fine.

Following the arguments, the High Court dismissed Rizwan’s petition.

Phone taken for examination

Rizwan’s lawyer also raised the issue of the cricketer’s mobile phone during the proceedings. He told the court that Rizwan had been called to the team hotel lobby following the Lord’s Test during Pakistan’s tour of England, where he was questioned and his phone was taken.

According to the counsel, Rizwan had been told that the device would be returned within three hours, but it had not been handed back. Rizwan and Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq have been questioned as part of the NCCIA investigation, with their mobile phones undergoing forensic examination.

Investigation remains underway

The investigation has reportedly involved scrutiny of possible information leaks from the Pakistan dressing room as well as examination of communications and financial transactions involving the players. No finding of wrongdoing against Rizwan or Imam has been publicly announced by the agency so far. The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to consider the NCCIA’s findings once the investigation and forensic examination are completed before determining whether any further action is required.

Rizwan has maintained that he is cooperating with investigators while seeking clarity regarding the grounds on which he was summoned. His counsel has also argued that issues concerning corruption or betting in international cricket fall within the jurisdiction of the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit.