The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is waiting for the findings of a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) probe before deciding whether to take disciplinary action against senior players Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq.The development comes after the Lahore High Court dismissed Rizwan’s petition challenging the notices issued to him by the NCCIA. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum rejected the petition during Thursday’s hearing after hearing arguments from both sides.Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, told the court that his client had been issued notices. The chief justice advised the player to respond to them.“You should go and respond to the notice. On which date was the notice issued to you?” Chief Justice Neelum remarked, as quoted by news agency PTI.The lawyer claimed that Rizwan was questioned at a hotel after the Lord’s Test without being given a notice and that his mobile phone was taken.He said Rizwan had handed over the phone after being told it would be returned within three hours, but it had still not been returned.
NCCIA examining players’ phones
Rizwan’s lawyer also questioned the NCCIA’s authority to investigate the matter. He argued that the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit was the appropriate body to deal with corruption-related concerns involving cricketers and said the case had not been referred to the ICC unit.Rizwan had challenged the NCCIA summons in court, questioning both the agency’s jurisdiction and the nature of the investigation.Meanwhile, the NCCIA is conducting a forensic examination of mobile phones taken from Rizwan and Imam, according to PTI source familiar with the developments. The agency is expected to submit its findings to the PCB next week.“How the PCB decides to move against the two players will now depend on what findings the NCCIA submits to the PCB. If nothing out of the ordinary is found in the forensics examination they will probably get reprieves,” the source said.
PCB to decide next step
The PCB’s decision on possible disciplinary action will depend on the NCCIA report. The board is expected to assess the findings before deciding whether any action is required against the two players.For now, the focus remains on the forensic examination of the phones and the report that the NCCIA is expected to submit to the PCB.
