LAHORE – The Lahore High Court on Thursday dismissed Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan’s petition challenging the notice issued to him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition filed through Rizwan’s counsel, Qazi Umair Ali, who questioned the legal basis and jurisdiction of the NCCIA’s proceedings against the cricketer.
The counsel argued that the agency had issued a notice to Rizwan without clearly specifying the allegations against him. He also questioned the grounds on which the NCCIA was conducting its inquiry.
Rizwan had approached the high court after appearing before the NCCIA in Lahore earlier this month in response to a notice. He and fellow Pakistan cricketer Imam-ul-Haq were questioned by the agency as part of an investigation involving information obtained from their mobile phones and alleged leaks from the team’s dressing room during the England series.
During Thursday’s hearing, the court directed Rizwan to respond to the questions and notice issued by the NCCIA instead of seeking judicial intervention at this stage.
The court subsequently dismissed the petition.
The NCCIA had summoned Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq after the Pakistan Cricket Board initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following reports concerning discipline, conduct and alleged leakage of information from the team environment during the England tour. Both players appeared before the agency in Lahore and sought additional time to submit their responses.
The inquiry also involves forensic examination of information obtained from the players’ mobile phones. Reports have indicated that investigators are examining alleged dressing-room leaks and other information connected with the England tour.
Rizwan and Imam were among seven players sent back to Pakistan during the England Test series after the national side lost the first two matches. They were subsequently barred from participating in the President’s Trophy Grade-I tournament while the inquiry remained underway.
