Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has allegedly not responded to repeated requests from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to take part in a forensic examination of his mobile phone, according to a report in a leading Pakistan newspaper.
PTI reported that the agency is reportedly investigating Rizwan and fellow Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq. Sources cited in the report claimed that Rizwan has been asked several times to appear for the examination but has either not answered the calls or directed the officials to speak to his lawyer.
NCCIA Offers to Visit Rizwan’s Home
According to the PTI report, the NCCIA has also offered to send its team to Rizwan’s residence if he is unable to visit the agency’s office.
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An NCCIA source was quoted as saying that the agency wants to complete the investigation quickly, particularly after the Lahore High Court directed it to finish the inquiry at the earliest.
The agency reportedly said it needs Rizwan to be present during the forensic examination to ensure that no data is lost during the process.
No Player Declared Guilty
The NCCIA source also stressed that neither Rizwan nor Imam has been found guilty of any wrongdoing at this stage.
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The agency reportedly said there are certain suspicions that need to be investigated and clarified. It also stated that the inquiry is being conducted within the relevant legal framework and that the ICC has not been contacted in connection with the matter.
If the investigation finds no evidence of wrongdoing, the players will reportedly be cleared.
Rizwan, Imam Questioned Earlier
Rizwan and Imam were summoned by the NCCIA after returning to Pakistan following the second Test against England. Their phones had reportedly been taken into custody by security personnel travelling with the Pakistan team.
Both players appeared before the agency earlier this month and were questioned as part of the inquiry. Rizwan has since hired a lawyer, according to the report.
The newspaper also reported that the NCCIA could issue an official notice to Rizwan if he does not respond to its requests soon. Further legal action could follow if he continues to remain unavailable.
Betting Allegations Under Investigation
The inquiry began after a leaked NCCIA document reportedly indicated that the agency was examining alleged betting activity linked to gambling websites.
The allegations remain under investigation, and there has been no finding of wrongdoing against Rizwan or Imam based on the information cited in the report.