The Lahore High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan against proceedings initiated by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition on Thursday. Rizwan’s lawyer, Advocate Umair Qazi, argued that the NCCIA had issued notices to the cricketer without proper justification.
The lawyer also questioned the agency’s jurisdiction over the matter. He asked the court to declare the proceedings unlawful and stop further action against his client.
However, the court directed Rizwan to respond to the NCCIA’s show-cause notice. It also instructed him to appear before the agency as required.
Court Hears Rizwan’s Arguments
During the hearing, Rizwan’s counsel said the cricketer had already submitted a response to the initial notices.
According to the lawyer, the NCCIA rejected that response and later issued fresh notices requiring Rizwan to appear before the agency.
The Lahore High Court ultimately dismissed Rizwan’s petition. The ruling means the NCCIA proceedings can continue while the agency examines the issues raised in its notices.
The case is linked to an investigation involving Pakistan cricket and alleged leaks of information from the team’s dressing room.
Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq Appear Before NCCIA
Mohammad Rizwan and Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the NCCIA in Lahore on September 10. They appeared in connection with an investigation into alleged dressing-room information leaks during Pakistan’s England tour.
According to sources cited in the report, both players requested additional time to submit written responses to the agency.
The NCCIA is examining information obtained from the players’ mobile phones. Investigators are reportedly looking at their activities and contacts during the England tour.
The agency is also examining allegations that information from inside the Pakistan team’s dressing room was leaked.
Sources said the Pakistan Cricket Board handed the players’ mobile phones to the NCCIA. The agency is expected to examine the devices as part of its investigation.
Another Pakistan player has also reportedly received a notice from the cybercrime agency.
PCB Also Conducted Internal Inquiry
The NCCIA investigation followed an internal disciplinary inquiry by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The PCB launched the inquiry over matters related to “discipline and conduct” after Pakistan suffered a difficult Test series against England.
The board had also recalled seven players to Pakistan after the team suffered heavy defeats in both Tests against England.
The latest court ruling does not establish wrongdoing by Rizwan. The NCCIA proceedings remain an investigation, and any allegations must be established through the relevant legal process.
