Mohammad Rizwan’s Lahore High Court petition challenges the NCCIA’s jurisdiction as an investigation into alleged England tour leaks expands to phones and finances.
Mohammad Rizwan has challenged the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency’s authority to summon him over an investigation linked to alleged dressing-room leaks during Pakistan’s England tour, taking the dispute to the Lahore High Court.
The wicketkeeper-batter filed a writ petition on Monday, questioning the legal basis for the NCCIA summons and whether the federal agency has jurisdiction over what he considers an internal cricket disciplinary matter.
The investigation began after Pakistan’s 3-0 Test series defeat in England. Following a 194-run loss at Lord’s, the Pakistan Cricket Board withdrew seven players from the squad, including Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, and sent them home before the tour ended.
The NCCIA subsequently summoned Rizwan and Imam as part of an inquiry into alleged dressing-room leaks. A third, unnamed cricketer has also reportedly been summoned.
Rizwan and Imam were questioned for about two hours at the NCCIA’s Johar Town office in Lahore. Their questioning reportedly covered alleged leaks as well as contacts and meetings during practice sessions and matches in England.
The inquiry has also expanded to digital evidence and financial records. The PCB handed the players’ mobile phones to the NCCIA after taking possession of them following the Lord’s Test. Investigators are conducting forensic and technical examinations of the devices, including messages, contacts and other digital information.
Reports have also linked the investigation to financial dealings, including bank accounts and transfers made before and after the England series. One report raised an alleged online betting angle, although the NCCIA has not formally confirmed such a connection.
The PCB has declined to provide detailed public comments, maintaining that the matter remains under investigation. As a result, several aspects of the financial inquiry remain based on reports citing unnamed sources rather than publicly confirmed findings.
Rizwan initially questioned the basis of the summons in writing. In his response, he asked why he had been called by the NCCIA, sought details of the disciplinary violation attributed to him and questioned why his phone had not been returned.
After the issue remained unresolved, he approached the Lahore High Court. His petition argues that the NCCIA acted without identifying a specific allegation against him and questions whether the agency has jurisdiction to investigate an internal team matter.
Imam, meanwhile, submitted his questionnaire responses through an intermediary before the Sept. 15 deadline, according to reports.
The case also raises questions about the institutional relationship between the PCB and the federal agency. NCCIA operates under the Interior Ministry, headed by Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as PCB chairman. Neither the PCB nor the NCCIA has publicly addressed the implications of the overlapping roles in this investigation.
The England tour fallout has already resulted in major changes within Pakistan cricket. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were removed, while Mike Hesson took over. Selector Misbah-ul-Haq also resigned after the PCB sought written explanations over squad selections.
Rizwan’s form was another concern during the series, with scores of 12, 41, 7 and 1 across the Tests.
The Lahore High Court’s proceedings will determine how Rizwan’s jurisdictional challenge develops and whether the NCCIA can continue its investigation into the matter under its existing authority.
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