LHC rejects Mohammad Rizwan’s petition against NCCIA summons

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has dismissed Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan’s petition challenging proceedings by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), directing him to respond to the agency’s show-cause notice and appear before investigators.

Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the matter on Thursday. Rizwan did not appear in person, while his counsel, Advocate Qazi Umair Ali, represented him in court. The court declared the petition not maintainable and declined to set aside the NCCIA proceedings.

Rizwan had approached the high court after being summoned by the cybercrime agency for questioning. He and fellow Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq appeared at the NCCIA’s Lahore office last week, where they were questioned and given multi-page questionnaires seeking information about their travel, financial affairs and personal and professional matters.

The summons came amid scrutiny following Pakistan’s recent Test tour of England, which ended in a 3-0 series defeat. The exact scope and legal basis of the NCCIA inquiry have been the subject of questions, while separate reports have linked the investigation to alleged online betting and gambling-related activity. The precise relationship between the NCCIA proceedings and the Pakistan Cricket Board’s internal disciplinary inquiry has not been publicly established.

Rizwan’s counsel argued that the notices issued to his client lacked lawful justification. He maintained that good and poor performances were part of sport and questioned the agency’s authority to summon the cricketer.

The lawyer also told the court that Rizwan had appeared through his counsel and submitted a response to the allegations, but the NCCIA rejected the response and issued another notice.

The court, however, directed Rizwan to follow the process before the agency. Chief Justice Neelum remarked that the petitioner should respond to the show-cause notice and appear before the NCCIA.

The court also questioned the manner in which the matter had been brought before it, with the chief justice observing that facts should not be concealed and referring to the possibility of a heavy fine.

The development adds another chapter to the controversy surrounding Pakistan’s England tour. Seven players were sent home during the series after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord’s, before England completed a 3-0 clean sweep.

The PCB has separately confirmed that it initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning player discipline and conduct. The board has said the matter is being handled under its regulations.

For Rizwan, the immediate legal route against the NCCIA notices has now closed at the high court level, while the agency’s inquiry remains subject to its ongoing proceedings.