LAHORE: Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, who were released from the national squad following the Lord’s Test, appeared before the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore in connection with an ongoing inquiry into alleged dressing-room leaks during the England series.
According to highly placed sources, former Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan appeared before the NCCIA at around 3pm on Thursday.
Sources said that both Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq appeared at the NCCIA office associated with the Johar Town police station in Lahore, where they were questioned for approximately two hours.
The investigation reportedly focuses on allegations concerning the leaking of information from the Pakistan team’s dressing room during the series against England.
According to sources, investigators questioned the two cricketers about their communications and meetings during the team’s stay in England. They were reportedly asked about their contacts during both practice sessions and matches.
The investigators are examining whether any information relating to the team’s internal affairs, dressing-room discussions or other confidential matters was shared with unauthorized individuals.
Sources said that both players requested additional time to provide answers to the questions put to them by the investigation agency.
NCCIA sources further indicated that the mobile phones of the two cricketers would be unlocked and examined as part of the investigation. The agency is expected to review data and communications from the period covering Pakistan’s series against England in an effort to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged dressing-room leaks.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had previously handed over the mobile phones of both players to the NCCIA for examination.
The development comes amid a broader inquiry by the PCB into reports concerning discipline and the conduct of members of the Pakistan cricket team.
The board has so far refrained from making an official comment on the matter. PCB sources said that because the inquiry remains ongoing, the board would not comment on individual allegations or developments until the investigation is completed.
The sources emphasized that the process was still underway and that any conclusions would be drawn only after the relevant evidence had been examined.
The investigation has attracted considerable attention because of the prominent positions held by the two players within Pakistan cricket.
Mohammad Rizwan has served as Pakistan’s captain and has been one of the team’s leading wicketkeeper-batters, while Imam-ul-Haq has been a regular member of Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Their appearance before the cybercrime investigation agency does not, by itself, establish that either player was responsible for leaking confidential information. The investigation is intended to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.
According to sources familiar with the inquiry, investigators are particularly interested in communications made during the England tour. The examination of mobile-phone data is expected to form an important part of the investigation.
The alleged leaks reportedly relate to information from inside the dressing room, although the precise nature and extent of the material under investigation have not been officially disclosed.
The PCB had initiated an inquiry following media reports concerning the team’s discipline, behavior and internal matters. The investigation was subsequently expanded, with the mobile-phone data of players becoming part of the process.
Meanwhile, PCB sources have expressed concern over what they described as unverified and baseless reports appearing in the media regarding cricketers and officials.
Board sources said that several reports were being circulated without confirmation and urged that claims concerning the investigation should not be treated as established facts while the inquiry remains incomplete.
The board’s decision not to comment publicly reflects the ongoing nature of the process. Officials are expected to wait until investigators have completed their examination before making any formal determination.
The NCCIA’s involvement indicates that authorities are examining whether the alleged disclosure of information involved digital communications or electronic data. The review of mobile phones could potentially help investigators establish the origin and transmission of any information believed to have been leaked.
For Rizwan and Imam, the request for additional time means that the questioning process is likely to continue. Further appearances before the agency may be required depending on the findings of the investigation and the information obtained from their devices.
The inquiry could also involve other players or officials if investigators find evidence suggesting that additional individuals were connected to the alleged leaks.
At present, however, no final findings have been announced against either cricketer.
The PCB has maintained silence while the investigation continues, while sources have stressed the need to distinguish between verified information and speculation circulating in the media.
The case has become a significant issue for Pakistan cricket as the board seeks to examine internal discipline, confidentiality and the conduct of players and officials.
Further developments are expected once the NCCIA completes its examination of the relevant communications and receives responses to the questions raised during the initial questioning.
Until the investigation is formally concluded, allegations concerning the two players remain unproven, and any potential disciplinary or legal action would depend on the evidence gathered by the authorities.
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