PCB Clears Mohammad Rizwan For Domestic Cricket Amid Probe

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been allowed to resume domestic cricket by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) amid an ongoing inquiry into allegations involving online betting, gambling and the leaking of dressing-room information.

Muhammad Hafeez, former Pakistan captain and current director and head coach of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), confirmed that he had received an email from the PCB’s domestic department permitting Rizwan to play in the Presidents Cup first-class tournament from October 19.

Rizwan is expected to lead SNGPL in the competition, Hafeez said.

Rizwan And Imam Faced Inquiry

Rizwan and fellow Pakistan international Imam-ul-Haq were barred from domestic cricket after being recalled from England following the second Test in August. They were asked to face an inquiry by the National Cyber Crime Cell (NCCA) over alleged dressing-room information leaks and issues related to online betting and gambling.

Rizwan has appeared before the agency twice for questioning. The precise nature of the complaints under investigation remains unclear.

The players’ phones were also seized by security personnel accompanying the Pakistan team during the second Test at Lord’s. The devices remain with the NCCA for forensic examination.

Inquiry Could Conclude Soon

While Imam has largely stayed out of the public eye, Rizwan has continued to attract attention over his response to the investigation.

A reliable source said on Sunday that the situation had largely cooled down following Rizwan’s latest session with the NCCA in Lahore on October 10. The source added that the inquiry could be concluded soon.

Rizwan, who has played 47 Tests, 103 ODIs and 106 T20 Internationals, has not featured in competitive cricket since the second Test at Lord’s.