LHC Tells NCCIA Not to ‘Harass’ Rizwan, Orders Cooperation in Probe
LAHORE, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: The Lahore High Court has directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) not to subject Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan to “harassment or unnecessary inconvenience” during an ongoing inquiry, while ordering the cricketer to cooperate with investigators.
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued the directions in a written order relating to a September 17 hearing on Rizwan’s petition challenging the NCCIA inquiry and a call-up notice. The court dismissed his petition and declined to interfere with the investigation at its preliminary stage.
The chief justice observed that a call-up notice was a procedural mechanism for gathering information and did not, by itself, constitute an accusation of wrongdoing. The court said the inquiry was not shown at this stage to be outside the agency’s jurisdiction or motivated by malice.
According to court reporting, the inquiry involves allegations relating to electronic fraud under Section 14 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Rizwan’s petition said the NCCIA notice referred to an inquiry concerning alleged online betting or gambling in Pakistan cricket.
Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, argued that the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit was the appropriate forum for cricket-related corruption allegations. However, the court noted that the ICC’s disciplinary framework did not prevent Pakistani authorities from applying domestic law or conducting a lawful investigation.
Rizwan and fellow Pakistan cricketer Imam-ul-Haq had appeared before the NCCIA in Lahore on September 10. Separate reporting said they were questioned for around two hours as investigators examined allegations involving information allegedly leaked from Pakistan’s dressing room during the recent Test series against England.
Rizwan later challenged the NCCIA proceedings, arguing that the notice was vague and did not clearly identify the illegal activity he was alleged to have committed. He also sought relief against possible coercive measures and questioned the agency’s jurisdiction.
The court nevertheless directed him to join and cooperate with the inquiry. At the same time, it instructed the NCCIA to conduct the process strictly in accordance with law and avoid unnecessary inconvenience to the cricketer.
Rizwan has also raised questions about his mobile phone, which his counsel says was taken during questioning and has not been returned. The court said he could pursue an appropriate legal remedy before the competent forum regarding articles allegedly seized from him.
Importantly, no final finding of wrongdoing against Rizwan has been officially announced. The matter remains an inquiry, and the allegations should not be treated as proof that the cricketer engaged in betting, gambling, information leaks or other illegal conduct.
