Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, who were among seven players sent back to Pakistan by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the team’s heavy defeat against England at Lord’s, have now been summoned by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over information obtained from their mobile phones, according to Geo News.The development adds another layer to the controversy surrounding the Pakistan team, with the NCCIA issuing notices to Rizwan and Imam for questioning as part of an ongoing inquiry. A third Pakistan cricketer has also reportedly received a notice from the agency.
NCCIA to examine data from players’ phones
According to sources cited by Geo News, the PCB had taken custody of Rizwan and Imam’s mobile phones before handing them over to the relevant authorities. The NCCIA subsequently issued notices to the two players and will examine information retrieved from their devices as part of its investigation.The exact reason for the PCB taking possession of the phones, however, remains unclear. The board has not yet issued an official explanation regarding the matter.
Rizwan, Imam among seven players sent home
The NCCIA development comes days after the PCB made sweeping changes to Pakistan’s Test squad following their 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s. The board released seven players from the touring squad and sent them back to Pakistan. Rizwan and Imam were among those released, alongside Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.The PCB also made changes to the coaching staff, releasing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke were brought in to take charge of the team.
PCB also questioned selection of Rizwan and Imam
The latest development comes amid a separate PCB inquiry into the selection of Rizwan and Imam for Pakistan’s Test tours of the West Indies and England. Earlier this month, the PCB sought a written explanation from a member of its Selection/Advisory Committee regarding the recommendation to include the two players in the Test squad.In a notice issued on August 31, the board asked the committee member to explain the selection criteria, performance considerations and other factors taken into account while recommending Rizwan and Imam. The committee member was asked to submit a written response within 24 hours, with the PCB describing the matter as “urgent and of utmost importance.”
