Mohammad Rizwan takes NCCIA betting probe summons to Lahore High Court, hearing today

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has asked the Lahore High Court to stop the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) from pursuing him in its online betting and gambling inquiry. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum is due to hear the petition today, 17 September, Geo News and The News report.

What the NCCIA is investigating

The agency's inquiry, as described by Geo News and The News, covers:

• information allegedly leaked from Pakistan's dressing room during the recent Test series in England;
• players' bank transactions before and after the England tour;
• forensic checks on players' mobile phones, digital messages and social media.

Rizwan and Test opener Imam-ul-Haq were questioned for about two hours earlier this month. Both were among the players released from the squad after the defeats in England, where Pakistan lost the Test series 3-0. No findings have been announced against either player.

What Rizwan's petition says

According to the reports, Rizwan argues that:

1. the NCCIA summons did not name any specific allegation against him;
2. he asked investigators what he was accused of and got no answer;
3. the agency's jurisdiction to question him on unspecified allegations is doubtful;
4. the court should halt further NCCIA action until his petition is decided.

Geo News also reports that he has written to the agency about his mobile phone not being returned.

The wider fallout

The inquiry follows a difficult summer. Pakistan lost all three Tests in England, head coach Aaqib Javed has had to deny resignation reports, and Babar Azam has gone back to first-class cricket in Peshawar. The PCB has separately asked members of the selection committee for written explanations about squad picks for the West Indies and England tours, The News reports.

What happens today

If the court grants interim relief, the NCCIA would have to pause action against Rizwan until the petition is decided. If it does not, the agency can continue questioning him. The court may also ask the NCCIA to state in writing what it is investigating.

Betting apps: what fans should know

The NCCIA is the federal agency that takes cyber crime complaints, and betting and gambling apps are widely promoted to Pakistani users on social media. If you get messages pushing such apps, do not share your CNIC or SIM details. You can check whether any SIM has been issued on your CNIC without your knowledge using our guide to the 668 SMS and cnic.sims.pk.