Key Takeaways
- Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has written to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) seeking the return of his mobile phone.
- Rizwan requests written details of the investigation and clarification on when he needs to appear before the agency.
- The Lahore High Court had previously directed Rizwan to cooperate with the proceedings and instructed the NCCIA not to harass him.
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has written to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), demanding the return of his mobile phone and seeking clarification on the nature of the investigation against him.
The letter, reportedly sent nearly two weeks after the Lahore High Court’s ruling, outlines Rizwan’s concerns and requests. He has not been informed about the specific nature of the investigation and is seeking written details of the matter.
Rizwan also asked the NCCIA to clarify when he is required to appear before the agency, noting that no formal contact has been made with him to facilitate compliance with the court’s directions.
The NCCIA took possession of Rizwan’s mobile phone on August 31 in England, a day after Pakistan’s Test defeat to England at Lord’s. Rizwan was reportedly told that the device would be returned within three hours, but the phone remains with the agency nearly four weeks later.
Rizwan had provided the password to the device, and his letter argues that his voluntary cooperation showed his willingness to assist with the investigation. However, he maintains that he is willing to cooperate only once the NCCIA provides clarity regarding the investigation and arranges the return of his phone.
The Lahore High Court had earlier dismissed Rizwan’s petition challenging the NCCIA’s jurisdiction over the matter. While directing him to cooperate with the proceedings, the court also instructed the agency not to subject him to harassment or unnecessary inconvenience.
The court further allowed Rizwan to approach a court with relevant jurisdiction for the recovery of items, including his mobile phone, that had not been returned. According to the letter, Rizwan maintains that he is willing to cooperate with the investigation but wants the NCCIA to clearly explain the allegations or incident being investigated and act in accordance with the court’s directions.
Sources close to the Pakistan batter maintain that he is prepared to cooperate once the agency provides clarity regarding the investigation and arranges the return of his phone. The development comes a day after reports citing NCCIA sources claimed that the agency had contacted Rizwan multiple times and sought his cooperation but had not received a positive response despite repeated attempts.
