Lahore: Pakistan senior batter and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan has reportedly sought an explanation from authorities over why he was summoned for questioning by the country’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), while his mobile phone has reportedly not yet been returned.
The development comes amid an ongoing investigation connected to alleged dressing-room information leaks during Pakistan’s recent Test tour of England. Rizwan and fellow senior batter Imam-ul-Haq were questioned by the NCCIA for around two hours, with their mobile phones examined as part of the probe.
According to a report by Pakistan-based Geo News, Rizwan has now written to the NCCIA seeking clarification about the reasons for his summons and questioning.
The investigation follows a turbulent England tour during which the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent seven players home midway through the Test series and made changes to the coaching staff.
Rizwan reportedly seeks explanation from NCCIA
Rizwan has reportedly raised several questions in a letter to the cyber crime investigation agency.
According to the Geo News report cited by NDTV Sports, the Pakistan batter questioned why he had been called before the NCCIA and sought to know the specific reason for the summons.
The report quoted Rizwan as asking: “Why was I called by the NCCIA? I want to know for what reason you are calling me.”
The 34-year-old is also reportedly seeking clarification over the continued retention of his mobile phone.
His device was seized and examined as part of the investigation, but according to the latest report, it has not yet been returned.
The development is notable because Rizwan had earlier indicated that he was cooperating fully with the investigation and would wait for the process to be completed before deciding whether to speak publicly about the matter.
Mobile phones examined during investigation
Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the NCCIA in Lahore last week.
According to reports, the players were questioned about matters connected to Pakistan’s England tour, including alleged dressing-room leaks. Their mobile phones were also examined.
Earlier reports had said that the PCB took custody of the players’ phones before handing them over to the relevant authorities.
The PCB has not publicly disclosed all details of the investigation. An earlier NDTV Sports report said the board had described allegations circulating around the players and officials as “unverified and baseless” while the investigation was underway.
The NCCIA investigation is therefore ongoing, and the reported questioning should not by itself be taken as evidence that either player has been found guilty of wrongdoing.
Rizwan had earlier said he was cooperating
The latest development follows comments attributed to Rizwan shortly after his questioning.
According to Pakistan-based outlet Samaa TV, Rizwan said he was fully cooperating with the investigation and was waiting for it to be completed.
He also indicated that he could address the media once the investigation had concluded.
That position now appears to have been followed by his reported request for clarification regarding the reasons for his summons and the status of his phone.
The distinction is important because the investigation remains in progress, with authorities yet to publicly establish any wrongdoing by Rizwan.
England tour triggered wider PCB action
The investigation comes after a major upheaval within the Pakistan Test team during its England tour.
Pakistan lost the first two Tests of the three-match series, and the PCB subsequently sent seven players home ahead of the third Test.
Rizwan and Imam were among the players released from the squad. The changes also involved members of the coaching setup.
The PCB subsequently brought replacements into the squad, including several uncapped players, as Pakistan prepared for the final Test.
The board’s decision generated considerable discussion in Pakistan cricket, particularly because it came midway through an international series.
Dressing-room leaks under scrutiny
Reports about possible dressing-room leaks emerged alongside the PCB’s decision to investigate players.
According to earlier reports, authorities were examining information that may have emerged from within the Pakistan camp during the England series.
The NCCIA subsequently became involved, with Rizwan, Imam and another Pakistan cricketer reportedly receiving notices.
An earlier report said investigators were expected to ask Rizwan and Imam to unlock their mobile phones so that data could be examined as part of the inquiry into alleged dressing-room leaks.
The investigation has also been linked in media reports to broader questions around possible corruption or match-fixing concerns. However, such reports remain allegations, and no finding of wrongdoing against Rizwan has been established in the material currently available.
Imam-ul-Haq also questioned
Rizwan was not the only senior Pakistan batter questioned by the cyber crime agency.
Imam-ul-Haq was also questioned for around two hours, with his mobile phone examined during the investigation.
Imam’s situation had already attracted attention during the England tour after he missed batting in both innings of the second Test because of a reported calf injury.
Reports subsequently raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his absence, although the claims remain part of the wider investigation and should not be treated as established findings.
The NCCIA’s involvement has therefore brought greater scrutiny to the events surrounding Pakistan’s England campaign.
Rizwan currently out of Pakistan’s Test plans
The investigation comes at a difficult period in Rizwan’s international career.
The veteran wicketkeeper-batter was among the players removed from Pakistan’s Test squad during the England series. He is currently outside the Pakistan squad across all three formats, according to the latest NDTV Sports report.
Rizwan has represented Pakistan extensively, having played 47 Tests, 103 ODIs and 106 T20Is.
His recent exclusion from the Test side, combined with the ongoing investigation, has created uncertainty around his immediate international future.
However, the investigation and his selection status are separate matters, and the available reports do not establish that his exclusion from the squad was a consequence of any finding by the NCCIA.
PCB investigation remains ongoing
The PCB has so far maintained limited public commentary while the investigation continues.
Earlier reports said the board had refrained from discussing the matter in detail because the inquiry was underway.
The agency’s questioning of players and examination of mobile phones indicates that investigators are seeking information related to the alleged leaks and other concerns that arose during the England tour.
Rizwan’s reported request for an explanation now adds another development to the process.
His reported questions centre on the reason for his summons and the continued retention of his mobile phone, rather than constituting a public rejection of the investigation itself.
Attention turns to next steps
The next stage of the investigation will determine whether authorities provide Rizwan with the clarification he has reportedly sought and when his mobile phone will be returned.
For Pakistan cricket, the episode comes after a difficult England tour and significant changes to the Test squad.
The allegations surrounding dressing-room leaks, the involvement of the NCCIA and the reported examination of players’ devices have added another layer to the scrutiny surrounding the team.
Until the investigation reaches a formal conclusion, claims about corruption, match-fixing or other misconduct should remain treated as allegations rather than established facts.
For Rizwan, the immediate issue is reportedly obtaining clarity from the authorities while continuing to cooperate with the investigation.