Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has received partial relief from the Lahore High Court after a direction that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) refrain from harassing or unnecessarily troubling him during its ongoing inquiry.
Lahore High Court Delivers Written Order
Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued the written order following the September 17 hearing on Rizwan’s petition against the NCCIA inquiry and the notice issued to him.
The 5-page order dismissed the petition but directed Rizwan to participate in the inquiry and cooperate with the agency. The court restrained NCCIA officials from causing him unnecessary trouble while carrying out its investigation.
The ruling did not terminate the investigation but clarified that the agency could proceed while Rizwan remains entitled to protection against unnecessary harassment during the process.
Rizwan Had Challenged the NCCIA Notice
Rizwan approached the Lahore High Court after receiving a notice from the NCCIA requiring him to appear before the agency. His legal team questioned the basis of the notice as well as the agency’s jurisdiction to investigate the matter.
Rizwan’s petition claimed the notice related to allegations involving online betting or gambling in Pakistan cricket. His lawyers argued that the notice was vague and that the proceedings lacked the necessary legal basis. They also expressed concern about possible coercive measures like arrest or detention.
Rizwan sought the cancellation of the notice alongside the termination of the inquiry and protection against any adverse action. However, the court did not grant Rizwan’s request and refused to intervene regarding the inquiry’s merits at this early stage.
Court Says Inquiry Can Continue
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum found that the inquiry was within its defined scope and proceeds without malicious intent so far, as revealed through the written ruling. The court also emphasised that an agency call-up notice is a procedural step to gather information and does not amount to findings that a person summoned has committed an offence.
What Is the NCCIA Investigating?
The NCCIA inquiry has been linked to allegations concerning online betting and gambling. The government agency is telling the court that the matter falls under Section 14 of Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.
Section 14 concerns electronic fraud involving an intention for wrongful gain through the use of an information system or device covered by the law. The provision is part of Pakistan’s cybercrime laws.
Reports also say the inquiry involves questions about Pakistan’s England tour amid alleged information leaks from the dressing room. Reports said investigators looked through digital information and financial matters involving Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq as a part of the inquiry.
Rizwan and Imam Appeared Before the Agency
Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the NCCIA at its Johar Town office in Lahore on September 10, 2026 after receiving summons.
Investigators questioned the pair with some reports claiming these proceedings lasted several hours. The inquiry reportedly included questions about contacts and meetings during Pakistan’s matches and practice sessions in England.
The agency also began forensic and technical examination of their mobile phones. Other sources said investigators were reviewing contacts and suspected transactions as part of the inquiry.
Rizwan Raised Questions About His Phone
Some reports claim that Rizwan asked questions about why he had been summoned and why his mobile phone had not been returned. He also sought answers about the disciplinary issue connected with the proceedings.
Rizwan’s phone was taken into custody around the time of Pakistan’s Test series in England before forensic work began to uncover potential suspicious activity.
Lawyer Questions NCCIA Jurisdiction
Qazi Umair Ali is Rizwan’s counsel and told the Lahore High Court that the NCCIA did not have proper legal authority over the matter. The lawyer also claims corruption-related allegations involving a professional cricketer should fall within the relevant cricketing authorities like the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit.
The court did not accept the argument as sufficient to halt the investigation at that stage. It directed Rizwan to respond to the agency and participate in the proceedings.
Rizwan Was First Told to Respond to the Notice
The September 17 hearing produced an indication of how the court viewed the petition. Justice Aalia Neelum questioned why Rizwan approached the court before responding to the NCCIA notice through the normal process. She made these comments before directing his lawyer to submit a response and appear before the agency.
The hearing ended with the petition being dismissed; however, Rizwan’s lawyer maintained that a response had already been submitted to the agency.
