Lahore, September 10, 2026: Former Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan and batter Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore on Thursday in connection with an investigation into alleged dressing-room leaks during the ongoing England series.
The two cricketers appeared at the NCCIA’s Johar Town office at around 3pm and were questioned for nearly two hours, sources said.
According to the sources, the players were questioned about the alleged leaks as well as their contacts and meetings during practice sessions and matches in England.
Rizwan and Imam sought additional time to submit their responses to the agency, sources added.
Rizwan, 34, was among seven players suddenly released from Pakistan’s Test squad following the team’s defeat at Lord’s. After being dropped, he travelled from London to Islamabad.
The wicketkeeper-batter has represented Pakistan in 47 Tests, 103 ODIs and 106 T20Is. Sources said he contacted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) before appearing before the NCCIA in Lahore.
The PCB has so far refrained from commenting on Rizwan’s appearance or the ongoing investigation, with board sources saying no comment would be made while the inquiry remains underway.
Board sources also cautioned that unverified and baseless reports concerning cricketers and officials were being circulated in the media.
Imam was also served a call-up notice as part of the investigation involving data retrieved from the players’ mobile phones.
According to sources, the PCB had taken custody of the players’ mobile phones before handing them over to the relevant authorities. A third Pakistan cricketer has also reportedly received a notice from the agency.
The reason for the PCB taking custody of the players’ phones remains unclear, as the board has yet to issue an official explanation.
The development follows Pakistan’s heavy defeats in the first two Tests of the ongoing series against England. After the Lord’s defeat, the PCB took emergency measures and released seven players and two coaches from the squad.
The players released were Rizwan, Imam, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Owais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also relieved of their duties with the team.
Earlier this month, the PCB also sought a written explanation from a member of its selection committee over the selection of Rizwan and Imam for Pakistan’s Test squads for the 2026 tours of the West Indies and England.
In a notice issued on August 31, the PCB said the committee member had participated in a selection meeting on June 2, during which responsibility was assigned for considering and selecting players for the two Test tours.
The notice stated that, based on the member’s recommendation, Rizwan and Imam were shortlisted for inclusion in the squad.
The PCB asked the selection committee member to explain the basis and rationale for selecting the two players, including the relevant selection criteria, performance considerations and other factors taken into account.
The member was also directed to outline the reasons for selecting Rizwan and Imam and explain the process that led to the final decision.
The written response was required within 24 hours of receiving the notice, with the PCB describing the matter as “urgent and of utmost importance.”
