Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has confirmed that he will appear before the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority (NCCIA) on October 2 in connection with an ongoing inquiry, while seeking written clarification about the allegations and scope of the investigation.
In his third letter to the investigating authority, Rizwan acknowledged receipt of the latest notice and confirmed that he would appear before the agency on Friday.
However, the cricketer raised questions about the nature of the inquiry, saying he had not been provided with sufficient clarity regarding the allegations being investigated.
Rizwan pointed out that the first notice issued to him had referred to allegations related to online betting and gambling. He also noted that the NCCIA had referred to electronic fraud under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 during court proceedings.
According to Rizwan, the latest notice did not specifically mention online betting or gambling. He therefore asked the agency to clarify whether those allegations remained part of the investigation.
The 34-year-old cricketer also requested details of the specific provisions of PECA 2016 relevant to the inquiry. He asked the NCCIA to inform him in writing if the scope or nature of the investigation had changed since the first notice.
Rizwan said allegations involving betting and gambling could have serious consequences for his reputation and professional cricket career. He therefore sought greater clarity regarding the allegations and the legal provisions under which the inquiry was being conducted.
The Pakistan batter also asked whether the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit or another relevant cricket authority had been informed about the investigation.
Mobile Phone Remains With NCCIA
Another major issue raised by Rizwan concerns his mobile phone, which remains in the possession of the NCCIA.
According to his letter, Rizwan provided the password for the device while he was in England. He said the phone was subsequently unlocked and examined in his presence.
The cricketer stated that he had not received a receipt for the seizure of the device, a warrant, a custody record or another written document explaining why the agency continued to retain his phone.
Rizwan asked the NCCIA whether any further cooperation was required from him regarding the forensic examination of the device.
He also requested that the forensic examination be completed without unnecessary delay and that his mobile phone be returned as soon as possible.
Rizwan reiterated that he was willing to cooperate fully with any lawful investigation but wanted to know the precise nature of the allegations against him.
The NCCIA had summoned him again for October 2 for the forensic examination and analysis of his mobile phone. The second notice directed him to appear before the agency at 3pm and cooperate with the inquiry.
Rizwan had previously said that his phone was taken from him in England on August 31 and that he provided its password. He also said the device was examined in his presence.
The cricketer further stated that when he appeared before the NCCIA on September 10, officials had access to his unlocked phone and were able to review messages and other material.
The inquiry remains ongoing, while Rizwan has indicated that he intends to cooperate with the authorities and is seeking clearer information about the allegations, legal provisions and continued custody of his mobile phone.
