Mohammad Rizwan has confirmed he will appear at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Cyber Crime Reporting Center in Lahore on October 2, 2026. The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter is scheduled to present himself at 3:00 PM for questioning and a forensic examination of his mobile phone.
While agreeing to cooperate, Rizwan’s legal team has formally questioned the agency’s evolving explanation for the probe. A fresh notice issued on September 30 omitted previous references to “online betting and gambling,” instead citing “relevant provisions of PECA 2016” and “electronic fraud.”
The investigation follows the seizure of Rizwan’s mobile phone in London on August 31, 2026, the night after the Lord’s Test concluded. The seizure took place at the end of a series where Pakistan suffered a 3-0 whitewash against England, leading to a legal dispute over the agency’s jurisdiction.
The agency’s latest summons included a provision for non-compliance. “In case of non-appearance it will be assumed that you have nothing to present or state in your defense,” the notice stated, according to reported documentation of the summons.
Legal proceedings in the Lahore High Court have already impacted the inquiry. The court recently dismissed Rizwan’s petition to quash the investigation but ordered the NCCIA to avoid “harassment or unnecessary inconvenience” to the cricketer while the case remains active.
Analysis: The shift in legal terminology from specific betting allegations to PECA 2016 provisions—specifically Section 14 regarding electronic fraud—suggests the NCCIA may be moving toward allegations of unauthorized data transmission or dressing room leaks. This shift contrasts with the initial gambling-related focus that characterized the early stages of the probe following the England tour.
Other members of the Pakistan squad have also been scrutinized. Opening batter Imam-ul-Haq was under investigation but reportedly chose to complete the agency’s questionnaire. Rizwan has instead opted to challenge the changing scope of the inquiry through formal legal channels.
The NCCIA maintained its formal stance in the most recent communication, stating: “The Agency is conducting an inquiry regarding the matter covered under relevant provisions of PECA, 2016. In this regard, your cooperation is requested for the forensic examination of the device seized from you.”
Rizwan’s legal counsel continues to seek clarity on whether the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit was consulted regarding the matter, as the focus of the October 2 hearing remains on the forensic audit of the seized device.
