Rizwan caught in the investigation's net—from phone seizure to media gag order—where will it all end?

The mystery surrounding Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan shows no signs of clearing up. The investigation by the National Cyber ​​Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)—which began towards the end of the England tour—is still ongoing. The agency is examining allegations of links to online betting and gambling. However, no wrongdoing on Rizwan's part has been proven so far.

Amidst the investigation, the Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman has been at the center of several incidents. Pakistani media reports indicate that his mobile phone was confiscated and is undergoing forensic examination; furthermore, he was barred from playing domestic cricket and denied permission to speak to the media on two occasions.

Phone confiscated in hotel lobby at midnight

According to court documents published by Cricbuzz, Rizwan was summoned to the hotel lobby on the night of August 27, following the conclusion of the Lord's Test. There, an individual identifying himself as an official from a government agency interrogated him and took possession of his mobile phone.

Rizwan claims he was not presented with any written notice, formal complaint, warrant, or legal basis for the confiscation of his phone. Although he was assured the phone would be returned within a few hours, he never received it back. Court documents and various reports indicate that the phone is currently with the NCCIA and is undergoing forensic analysis.

Subsequently, Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq were hastily sent back to Pakistan from England. Upon their return, both players were interrogated by the NCCIA.

What has the investigation asked of Rizwan?

A five-page questionnaire from the NCCIA has been submitted to the court. It requests details regarding Rizwan's social media accounts used over the past decade, as well as information on his income, bank accounts, assets, travel history, debts, and other financial matters from the last five years.

Potential links to online betting and gambling have been cited as the primary focus of the investigation. However, no charges against Rizwan have been substantiated so far, and the inquiry remains ongoing.

No relief for Rizwan even in court

Rizwan had also raised questions regarding the NCCIA's jurisdiction over the investigation. He filed a petition with the Lahore High Court regarding this matter. His argument was that the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit has a specific framework for investigating allegations related to corruption or betting in international cricket.

However, the Lahore High Court dismissed his petition on September 17. The court stated that the NCCIA should be allowed to continue its operations at this stage of the investigation. At the same time, the court clarified that issuing a notice to an individual or summoning them for questioning does not in itself constitute proof of a crime or a proven allegation. The NCCIA was also directed to conduct the investigation in accordance with the law and to avoid subjecting Rizwan to unnecessary harassment.

Explanation from the former PCB Head of Legal Affairs

Tafazzul Rizvi, the former Head of Legal Affairs for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), told Cricbuzz that, at this moment, there is essentially just a notice against Rizwan requiring him to answer a set of questions.

Rizvi explained that merely receiving a notice or being asked to appear before an investigative agency does not mean that a criminal allegation has been established against someone. In his view, one should not jump to negative conclusions about Rizwan or question his integrity at this stage of the investigation.

Rizvi further noted that since online betting and gambling are considered criminal offenses in Pakistan, the relevant agency possesses the legal authority to gather information and conduct interrogations.

Rizwan seeks clarification from the ICC as well

After approaching the court, Rizwan has now taken the matter to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit. He has questioned what anti-corruption procedures the PCB and relevant authorities are supposed to follow when suspicions of corruption arise against an international cricketer.

Specifically, he has sought to know whether the ICC or the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) were aware of the seizure of his phone, its transfer from England to Pakistan, and its subsequent forensic examination. There has been no public disclosure regarding a response from the ICC on this matter so far.

Rizwan’s activities restricted off the field as well

Rizwan's cricketing activities have also been curtailed while the investigation is ongoing. Reports indicate that while most cricketers returning from the England tour have participated in Pakistan's domestic cricket, Rizwan was not permitted to play in the President's Trophy Grade-1. Although he was named vice-captain of Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, he was unable to take the field.

Furthermore, attempts to explain his position to the media have also been thwarted. According to Geo News sources, Rizwan twice sought permission from the PCB to speak to the media, but the request was rejected on both occasions.

Imam-ul-Haq also faced questioning as part of the same investigation, and reports suggest his phone was confiscated; however, unlike Rizwan, he did not publicly address the matter.

Ultimately, the most significant word surrounding Rizwan remains "investigation." The court has also noted that a notice does not, in itself, constitute proof of a crime. Consequently, until the NCCI investigation concludes, the allegations against Rizwan cannot be treated as established fact. Now, the focus shifts to what facts will emerge regarding this star Pakistani cricketer once the investigation is complete.