NEW DELHI: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has approached the Lahore High Court against summons issued to him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Rizwan appeared before the agency last week but has now questioned the basis of the investigation and its authority to summon him.Rizwan filed a writ petition on Monday, raising concerns over what is understood to be the lack of any specific allegation against him. He has also questioned the NCCIA’s jurisdiction in the matter.The development comes after Rizwan and fellow batter Imam-ul-Haq were called for questioning following Pakistan’s 3-0 Test series loss in England. Both players appeared at the NCCIA’s Lahore office last Thursday and were later given detailed questionnaires to complete.
What did the NCCIA ask?
The questionnaires are believed to have sought information about the players’ travel and financial history, along with details about their personal and professional lives. While Imam is understood to have submitted his answers through an intermediary before the September 15 deadline, Rizwan has challenged aspects of the investigation.It is not clear whether the NCCIA inquiry is linked to a separate internal investigation being conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).The PCB had announced that it had “initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally”. The board said the process was being “conducted under PCB regulations”.Rizwan and Imam were among seven players sent home after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat against England in the second Test at Lord’s. Pakistan had already lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs.
Major changes in Pakistan team
The PCB made several changes after the defeats, with seven replacements sent to England, including five uncapped players. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed.Pakistan went on to lose the third Test at Edgbaston by eight wickets. Razaullah, one of the replacements, impressed on debut with four wickets and an 81-run innings.Rizwan scored 12, 41, 7 and 1 in the two Tests he played in England. He had also struggled with the bat during Pakistan’s two-Test series in the West Indies.Imam, meanwhile, suffered a grade-one tear in his left calf after the opening day at Lord’s and took no further part in the match. His injury was questioned publicly by chief selector and high-performance director Aaqib Javed.PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had said the review would look beyond performances.“We have had a discussion to ascertain the reasons behind it. They include factors beyond performance and we will get to the bottom of it,” said Naqvi, as quoted by Cricinfo.The selection of Rizwan and Imam had also come under scrutiny, with the PCB seeking an explanation from a selection committee member over their selection. Selector Misbah-ul-Haq later resigned following the squad changes.
