Key Takeaways
- Lahore High Court dismissed Mohammad Rizwan’s petition against NCCIA notices.
- Rizwan’s lawyer argued the allegations were false and that the ICC was the appropriate forum.
- The court directed Rizwan’s lawyer to approach NCCIA and submit a response.
The Lahore High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan against notices issued by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
During the hearing, Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, argued that the allegations against Rizwan were false and baseless, and that the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit was the appropriate forum for dealing with such allegations.
However, Justice Aalia Neelum expressed displeasure with the lawyer for failing to bring the case file to court. She observed that Rizwan had been summoned by the NCCIA on September 10 and had complied with the summons.
The court directed Rizwan’s lawyer to approach the NCCIA, explain his position, and submit a response to the notices. Justice Neelum stated, 'Go there, tell them and respond to the notice.'
According to the NCCIA notice, an inquiry into online betting and gambling is underway. Rizwan had challenged the notice by questioning the agency’s jurisdiction and the basis of the inquiry.
Rizwan maintained that the notice did not identify any specific allegation or explain what illegal activity he was allegedly involved in. He also said that he repeatedly asked investigators to clarify the allegations during his appearance but did not receive any answers.
Rizwan later submitted a written response to the agency through courier, seeking clarification about the reasons for his summons and asking why his mobile phone had not been returned.
Reports indicate that Rizwan and Pakistan Test opener Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the NCCIA at its Johar Town office in Lahore earlier this month. They were questioned for around two hours in connection with an investigation into alleged information leaks from the Pakistan dressing room during the Test series against England.
Investigators also questioned the two players about their contacts and meetings during practice sessions and matches in England. The NCCIA has not officially announced any final finding against either player.
You were called on September 10 and you complied with it. What brings you to court now?
Justice Aalia Neelum, Lahore High Court Chief Justice
Go there, tell them and respond to the notice.
Justice Aalia Neelum, Lahore High Court Chief Justice
