LAHORE: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was twice denied permission by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to publicly address an ongoing National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) inquiry against him, sources told Geo News on Monday.
According to sources, Rizwan sought permission under the terms of his central contract to explain the controversy surrounding the inquiry, including the seizure of his mobile phone following Pakistan’s Lord’s Test against England.
Rizwan also wanted to respond to allegations against him and explain a letter he had reportedly sent to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the matter. Sources said his intention was to present his position and the sequence of events rather than make accusations against the PCB or any other organisation.
Why Did Rizwan Seek PCB Permission?
Sources said Rizwan sought approval in accordance with Clause 4.1 of his central contract, which requires players to obtain permission before making public statements concerning matters covered by the agreement.
The sources said Rizwan also wanted to refer to Clause 16, which provides for cooperation between the PCB and players. The board, however, denied his request on both occasions.
What Is the NCCIA Inquiry About?
The inquiry follows the seizure of Rizwan’s mobile phone after the Lord’s Test. During a recent Lahore High Court hearing, Rizwan’s lawyer told Chief Justice Aalia Neelum that the cricketer had been questioned at a hotel without being served a notice and that his phone was taken after he was told it would be returned within three hours.
The device has not yet been returned, according to his counsel.
Rizwan had also reportedly sought guidance from the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit over whether international cricket authorities were aware of or involved in the seizure and whether the handling and forensic examination of the phone complied with the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.
The NCCIA inquiry concerns online betting and gambling in Pakistan cricket and has also been linked in reports to alleged leaks of information from the Pakistan dressing room during the Test series against England.
Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the agency in Lahore earlier this month. No final finding against either player has been officially announced.