Court directs Pakistan cricketer to appear before NCCIA and respond to questions linked to betting-related allegations
Web Desk: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has dismissed Pakistan cricketer Muhammad Rizwan’s petition challenging proceedings initiated against him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
The court directed Rizwan to approach the agency and respond to the questions raised in connection with the investigation.
LHC directs Rizwan to respond to NCCIA
LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition filed by Rizwan through his counsel, Qazi Umair Ali.
During Thursday’s hearing, the court observed that Rizwan should appear before the NCCIA and answer the questions put to him rather than seek the court’s intervention at this stage.
The court also expressed displeasure when Rizwan’s lawyer did not have the case file during the proceedings, describing the conduct as inappropriate.
The petition was subsequently dismissed as not maintainable.
What is the NCCIA investigating?
According to Rizwan’s petition, the NCCIA issued notices to him in connection with allegations relating to online betting and gambling associated with cricket.
Rizwan has denied the allegations and described them as baseless.
The petition stated that he had appeared before the NCCIA on September 10 and answered questions from investigators.
The cricketer also challenged the agency’s notices, arguing that they were unlawful and outside its jurisdiction.
His petition further maintained that cricket-related corruption matters should fall within the jurisdiction of the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit.
Rizwan’s account of mobile phone seizure
The petition claimed that following the Lord’s Test, Rizwan was called to a hotel lobby where a government agency official questioned him.
According to the petition, the official took possession of his mobile phone. Rizwan claimed he handed over the device after being assured it would be returned within three hours, but it had not been returned when the petition was filed.
After the hearing, Rizwan’s counsel told reporters that the cricketer had “nothing to hide” and said the purpose of approaching the court was to establish exactly what the agency was investigating.
