Key Takeaways
- Mohammad Rizwan sought permission from PCB to speak publicly about the NCCIA inquiry.
- Rizwan wanted to clarify his position regarding the seizure of his mobile phone.
- The PCB denied his requests under Clause 4.1 of the central contract.
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been denied permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to speak publicly about the ongoing National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) inquiry, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Rizwan, who was part of the Pakistan Test squad that recently faced England, sought permission twice to address the public regarding the seizure of his mobile phone following the Lord’s Test in England. He intended to explain his position and provide details of a letter he had written to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
According to sources, Rizwan formally approached the PCB under Clause 4.1 of his central contract, which requires players to seek permission before making public statements on matters covered by the agreement. However, the PCB turned down his requests on both occasions.
Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, told the Lahore High Court (LHC) that his client had been questioned without being served a notice after the Test match. The lawyer also mentioned that Rizwan’s mobile phone was taken into custody and has not been returned yet.
The controversy stems from the NCCIA inquiry, which relates to online betting and gambling in Pakistan cricket. Reports suggest that the investigation may also be linked to alleged leaks of information from the Pakistan dressing room during the Test series against England.
Both Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the NCCIA in Lahore earlier this month, although no final findings against either player have been officially announced.
Rizwan also sought guidance from the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) over the seizure of his phone, asking whether the ICC or the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) anti-corruption authorities were aware of or involved in the action against him.
The PCB’s decision to deny Rizwan’s requests has raised questions about the transparency and communication channels within the cricket board. Rizwan’s intention was to provide clarity and explain the sequence of events publicly.
