Pakistan Cricketers Rizwan and Imam Await Cyber Crime Agency Findings Amid Investigation
Investigation into Alleged Dressing-Room Leaks
Lahore, Pakistan - September 16: Veteran cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq are currently waiting for the results from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) deliberates on their next steps regarding an inquiry into suspected leaks from the dressing room, as reported by a local news outlet.
The NCCIA has begun a forensic analysis of the mobile devices belonging to Rizwan and Imam, which were submitted by the PCB as part of the ongoing investigation, according to sources.
Investigators are scrutinizing messages, contacts, and other digital data from the players' phones, while also looking into social media allegations concerning supposed leaks from the Pakistan team’s dressing room.
Initial assessments of the mobile devices reportedly did not uncover any significant evidence, but further forensic evaluations are ongoing at the NCCIA's Islamabad headquarters.
The inquiry is also delving into the financial transactions of both players, including their bank accounts and activities before and after Pakistan's Test series against England. Investigators aim to trace any suspicious financial movements.
Earlier this month, Rizwan and Imam were questioned by the NCCIA in Lahore regarding the alleged leaks.
Once the forensic examination is concluded, the NCCIA is expected to present its findings to PCB officials, who will then determine the future of the two players.
Rizwan has submitted a written request to the NCCIA for clarification on the reasons behind his summons and the status of his mobile phone, which has yet to be returned.
The PCB has refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation, and no conclusive findings against either player have been made public.
These developments follow Pakistan's disappointing performance in their Test series against England, where they faced a significant defeat in the first Test by an innings and 103 runs, followed by a 194-run loss in the second match at Lord's.
In response to the losses, the PCB took swift action, releasing seven players, including Rizwan, Imam, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Owais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad. Additionally, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also let go.
Previously, the PCB had requested a written explanation from a member of the selection committee regarding the inclusion of Rizwan and Imam in the Test squads for the tours of the West Indies and England, issuing a formal notice on August 31 related to a selection meeting held on June 2.
Rizwan, aged 34, has played 47 Tests, 103 ODIs, and 106 T20Is for Pakistan. He reportedly reached out to the PCB before attending the NCCIA meeting and traveled from London to Islamabad after being excluded from the squad.