Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has moved the Lahore High Court, challenging a summons issued to him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in the aftermath of Pakistan’s troubled Test tour of England, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.
Rizwan, who appeared before the NCCIA in Lahore last week along with fellow batter Imam-ul-Haq, has questioned the basis of the investigation and the agency’s jurisdiction to summon him. Both players were reportedly handed multi-page questionnaires seeking information about their travel, financial history and personal and professional details.
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Rizwan’s petition is understood to have argued that no specific allegation had been made against him. He also sought a halt to the proceedings until the court reaches a decision on his petition.
Reports have suggested that the NCCIA inquiry is examining alleged dressing-room leaks and other information connected with Pakistan’s England tour, although the precise relationship between that investigation and a separate PCB disciplinary inquiry remains unclear.
THE MESS PAKISTAN WAS IN ON ENGLAND TOUR
The controversy follows an extraordinary period for Pakistan cricket in England. Pakistan lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s in the second match. With the team 2-0 down, the PCB made sweeping changes, sending seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, home and replacing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the third Test.
Five uncapped players were brought into the squad for the final Test, while Mike Hesson took charge for the match. Pakistan subsequently lost the Edgbaston Test by eight wickets to complete a 3-0 series defeat.
Rizwan’s own batting returns on the tour were modest, with scores of 12, 41, 7 and 1 across his four innings, although his wicketkeeping continued to be viewed positively.
The PCB also launched an internal disciplinary inquiry following reports concerning player discipline and conduct. The board had separately sought explanations from its selection committee over the inclusion of Rizwan and Imam in the West Indies and England squads, with former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq subsequently resigning from the selection committee.
After a disappointing England tour, Pakistan will next turn their attention to the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Pakistan men’s team has secured a direct entry into the quarter-finals of the men’s T20 cricket competition, with their first match scheduled for September 28.
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