The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) is preparing to issue a final notice to Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan, seeking his appearance as part of an ongoing inquiry, according to sources cited by Samaa.
The development comes as investigators continue examining the mobile phones of Rizwan and fellow cricketer Imam-ul-Haq in connection with an inquiry involving allegations related to Pakistan cricket.
According to the latest report, a special investigation team has been formed to examine matters involving the two players. Forensic work on Imam-ul-Haq’s mobile phone has reportedly begun, while a detailed examination of Rizwan’s device remains pending.
Rizwan’s Presence Required for Phone Examination
Sources said the NCCIA wants Rizwan to be physically present when investigators conduct a detailed forensic examination of his mobile phone.
The agency has reportedly offered to carry out the examination in Rizwan’s presence rather than relying solely on automated forensic software.
According to the sources, investigators believe the player’s presence could help prevent access problems during the examination. Entering an incorrect password could potentially affect access to information stored on the device, they said.
The NCCIA is seeking a comprehensive examination of the phone as part of its wider inquiry. Any further action would depend on what investigators establish through the ongoing proceedings and forensic analysis.
The request for Rizwan’s appearance comes after the agency previously questioned both cricketers in Lahore.
Rizwan and Imam Appeared Before NCCIA
Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the NCCIA on September 10 after receiving notices from the agency.
Dawn previously reported that the players were questioned for several hours and that their mobile phones had already been handed over to the NCCIA for forensic examination. The investigation was initially reported to be focused on alleged leaks from the dressing room during Pakistan’s recent England series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had separately confirmed that it had launched an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct. The PCB said the matter was being reviewed under its regulations.
The NCCIA investigation therefore remains separate from the PCB’s internal disciplinary process, although the two developments involve the same players and broader concerns surrounding the England series.
Lahore High Court Directs Rizwan to Cooperate
Rizwan later approached the Lahore High Court to challenge the NCCIA inquiry and the call-up notice issued to him.
The court ultimately dismissed his petition at the preliminary stage while directing him to cooperate with the investigation.
In a written order issued following a September 17 hearing, Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum stated that a call-up notice is a procedural mechanism for gathering information and does not, by itself, amount to an accusation of wrongdoing.
The court also directed the NCCIA not to subject Rizwan to harassment or unnecessary inconvenience and said the investigation should be conducted in accordance with the law.
The court further observed that Rizwan would remain free to pursue appropriate legal remedies if he had concerns regarding the eventual outcome of the inquiry.
Inquiry Includes Allegations Under PECA
According to the proceedings before the Lahore High Court, the NCCIA inquiry involves allegations of electronic fraud under Section 14 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016.
The Deputy Attorney General told the court that the allegations arose from information reportedly obtained through cyber patrolling.
Rizwan’s counsel, meanwhile, challenged the basis and jurisdiction of the inquiry. His petition had described the notice as vague and argued that online betting or gambling was not a scheduled offence under PECA or its 2025 amendments.
The court, however, declined to interfere with the inquiry at this preliminary stage and directed Rizwan to cooperate with the agency’s proceedings.
Importantly, the court’s order did not establish that Rizwan had committed wrongdoing. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations cited in the proceedings remain matters for the relevant authorities to examine.
Mobile Phones Remain Central to Investigation
The forensic examination of the players’ mobile phones is an important part of the NCCIA’s inquiry.
Earlier reports said both Rizwan and Imam told investigators that their phones were already in the agency’s possession and could be examined.
The latest development indicates that the agency has begun detailed forensic work on Imam-ul-Haq’s device, while Rizwan’s phone still requires further examination in his presence, according to sources cited by Samaa.
Digital forensic examinations can involve reviewing information stored on devices and examining relevant digital evidence. In this case, however, the specific findings from either player’s phone have not been publicly established in the available reports.
Players Previously Barred From Domestic Tournament
The NCCIA inquiry has also affected the players’ participation in domestic cricket.
Rizwan and Imam were barred from playing in the President’s Trophy Grade-I tournament after being questioned by the agency.
Dawn reported that the two players were restricted from joining their respective teams until the inquiry against them was settled.
The development followed Pakistan’s difficult England series, during which both players were among seven members of the squad who were sent home after the first two Tests.
The PCB subsequently confirmed that it was conducting its own internal disciplinary inquiry into matters concerning discipline and conduct.
Final Notice Expected
The NCCIA’s reported decision to issue a final notice means Rizwan could soon be formally asked to appear again for the forensic examination of his phone.
The agency’s investigators are expected to continue examining the available digital evidence as they determine the next steps in the inquiry.
For now, no final findings against Rizwan have been announced publicly. The court has directed him to cooperate with the proceedings while also instructing the NCCIA to ensure that the process does not involve harassment or unnecessary inconvenience.
The outcome of the forensic examination and any subsequent investigation will determine whether further proceedings are warranted.
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