The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is awaiting the results of an NCCIA investigation before determining whether to discipline prominent players Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq.
The development comes after the Lahore High Court dismissed Rizwan’s plea challenging the NCCIA notices. During Thursday’s session, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum denied the petition after examining both sides’ arguments.
Qazi Umair Ali, Mohammad Rizwan counsel, told the court that the Pakistan cricketer had received notices from the agency.
Chief Justice Neelum urged the player to react to the notices and questioned the date they were issued.
Mohammad Rizwan counsel also claimed that the batter was questioned in a hotel after the Lord’s Test without being given a notice. He further claimed that the NCCIA confiscated Rizwan’s cell phone throughout the procedure.
According to the lawyer, Rizwan surrendered over his phone after being told it will be returned within three hours. However, he stated that the device had not yet been returned.
NCCIA conducts forensic examinations of phones.
The NCCIA is apparently investigating the cell phones taken from Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq. Rizwan’s lawyer also questioned the agency’s jurisdiction, claiming that the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit should address corruption allegations involving international players.
He further claimed that the case had not been sent to the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit. Mohammad Rizwan had petitioned the Lahore High Court, challenging the NCCIA summons and questioning the agency’s legitimacy to undertake the inquiry.
Meanwhile, a TOI report indicated that the NCCIA is conducting forensic examinations on Mohammad Rizwan and Imam’s phones. The agency is scheduled to report its findings to the PCB next week.
The PCB will decide on disciplinary action after the NCCIA findings.
The PCB is anticipated to review the NCCIA’s findings before determining whether Rizwan and Imam should face disciplinary action. The outcome of the forensic examination will thus have a significant impact on the board’s next steps.
For the time being, the NCCIA probe remains the primary focus, with the agency likely to present its report to the PCB next week. The findings could determine whether the two senior Pakistani players face further sanctions or are granted reprieve from the board.
