Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan has twice asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for permission to speak publicly about an ongoing National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) investigation, according to sources.
The sources told ARY News that the PCB rejected both requests. Rizwan reportedly wanted to explain his position and discuss events surrounding the seizure of his mobile phone after Pakistan’s Test against England at Lord’s.
The former Pakistan white-ball captain also wanted to address allegations linked to the case. He reportedly planned to explain a letter he had sent to the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the matter.
PCB Cites Central Contract Rules
According to the sources, Rizwan sought permission in line with the terms of his central contract. The agreement requires players to obtain approval before making public comments about matters covered by the contract.
The sources said Rizwan also intended to refer to Clause 16, which requires cooperation between the PCB and contracted players.
They added that Rizwan did not intend to accuse the PCB or any other organisation. Instead, he wanted to present his position and explain the sequence of events surrounding the investigation.
The PCB has not publicly approved Rizwan’s requests to discuss the case.
NCCIA Probe Involves Seized Phone
The issue comes as the NCCIA continues its investigation into the seizure of Rizwan’s mobile phone following the Lord’s Test in England.
Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, raised the matter during a recent hearing at the Lahore High Court. He told Chief Justice Aalia Neelum that Rizwan was summoned to a hotel lobby after the Test.
According to the lawyer, officials questioned the cricketer without first giving him a notice. He also claimed that authorities took Rizwan’s mobile phone and said it would be returned within three hours.
The phone has reportedly not been returned.
Rizwan Reportedly Sought ICC Guidance
Sources had earlier claimed that Rizwan also approached the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit for guidance over the seizure of his phone.
The ongoing case has attracted attention because of Rizwan’s status as one of Pakistan’s leading international cricketers. However, details of the investigation and the allegations against him remain subject to the legal process.
Rizwan has sought an opportunity to explain his side publicly, but the PCB’s reported refusal means he remains restricted by the terms of his central contract.
