LHC dismisses Mohammad Rizwan’s petition against NCCIA inquiry, directs cricketer to cooperate

The Lahore High Court has dismissed cricketer Mohammad Rizwan's petition challenging an inquiry being conducted by the National Cyber Crime

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has dismissed cricketer Mohammad Rizwan’s petition challenging an inquiry being conducted by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), directing the Pakistan cricketer to appear before the investigating agency and cooperate with the proceedings.

Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued a five-page written order in the matter, dismissing Rizwan’s petition on the grounds of maintainability. The court, however, directed the NCCIA to ensure that the cricketer is not subjected to harassment or unnecessary inconvenience during the course of the inquiry.

According to the written decision, Rizwan is required to appear before the NCCIA and respond to the questions and allegations being examined by the agency. The court observed that the investigating agency is the appropriate forum for the cricketer to present his position and defence at this stage.

The court also directed that the inquiry should be conducted strictly in accordance with the law and that the agency should not cause unnecessary trouble to the petitioner while carrying out its investigation.

The matter came before the high court after the NCCIA summoned Mohammad Rizwan in connection with an inquiry relating to allegations surrounding the Pakistan cricket team’s recent tour of England. The inquiry reportedly concerns claims of dressing-room information being leaked and allegations related to online betting.

Rizwan’s counsel had challenged the proceedings and maintained that the allegations against the cricketer were false and baseless. The petition sought relief from the inquiry and questioned the basis on which the agency had summoned the cricketer.

During an earlier hearing, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum had questioned the need for intervention by the high court when Rizwan had already complied with a September 10 summons issued by the NCCIA.

The chief justice had observed, “Go there and respond to the notice,” indicating that the cricketer should first address the investigating agency regarding the matters mentioned in the summons.

The latest written order maintains the distinction between the court’s role and that of the investigating agency. While dismissing the petition, the high court did not prevent the NCCIA from conducting its inquiry. Instead, it directed Rizwan to participate in the process and cooperate with the investigation.

At the same time, the court’s directions place a requirement on the agency to conduct its proceedings within the framework of the law and to avoid harassment or unnecessary inconvenience to the cricketer.

Fellow Pakistan cricketer Imam-ul-Haq was also summoned by the NCCIA in connection with the same inquiry. The proceedings relate to allegations concerning events surrounding the national team’s England tour, including claims about dressing-room leaks and online betting.

The allegations remain subject to investigation, and the summons issued by an investigating agency do not by themselves establish wrongdoing.

The court’s decision means that Rizwan’s immediate legal challenge to the NCCIA inquiry has been dismissed, while the investigation can proceed according to the applicable legal procedure.

The high court has made it clear that Rizwan’s defence and response to the allegations should initially be presented before the investigating agency. The NCCIA, meanwhile, has been directed to ensure that its inquiry remains lawful and that the petitioner is not subjected to harassment.

The written decision provides the framework for the next stage of the proceedings, with Rizwan required to cooperate with the NCCIA inquiry while retaining the right to present his position before the agency.