Lahore, October 1, 2026: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has asked the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to clarify the allegations and scope of its inquiry against him, saying the agency’s latest notice appears to differ from the reasons cited in its initial notice.
Rizwan confirmed in a written response that he would appear before the NCCIA on October 2 as directed, while seeking written clarification about the basis of the investigation.
According to Rizwan’s letter, the initial notice referred to allegations involving online betting and gambling in Pakistan cricket. However, the latest notice does not mention betting or gambling and instead states that the inquiry concerns the “relevant provisions of PECA 2016”, without specifying which provisions are applicable.
Rizwan has asked the agency to clarify whether the inquiry remains related to online betting or gambling or whether its scope has changed. He has also sought to know which specific provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 are relevant to the investigation.
The cricketer said the earlier betting and gambling allegations could affect his reputation and career and questioned whether the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit or any other relevant cricket body had been informed about the inquiry or contacted by the NCCIA.
Rizwan has also renewed his request for the return of his mobile phone, which has remained in the NCCIA’s possession after being seized during Pakistan’s England tour.
He said he had provided the device’s password and that it had been unlocked and examined in his presence. However, according to his letter, he had not been provided with documentation relating to the seizure, including a receipt, warrant or custody record, or an explanation for its continued retention.
The NCCIA’s latest notice asked Rizwan to appear for cooperation in the forensic examination and analysis of the seized device. He is expected to appear before the agency in Lahore on October 2.
The inquiry began after Pakistan’s Test series against England, following the seizure of the mobile phones of Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq. Rizwan has pursued the matter through legal counsel, while Imam has responded to the agency’s questionnaire, according to reports.
The latest letter marks another development in the continuing inquiry, with Rizwan seeking clarity from the NCCIA over the precise allegations being investigated and the legal provisions under which the agency is proceeding.
