What’s Behind Mohammad Rizwan's Phone Controversy After England Test Defeat?

Mohammad Rizwan Seeks Clarity on Phone Seizure

New Delhi: Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Rizwan has reached out to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to request the return of his mobile phone, which was confiscated following Pakistan's defeat to England in the Lord's Test.

His phone was taken on August 31, just a day after Pakistan lost by 194 runs, with the team struggling to perform with the bat. Rizwan stated that he was informed the phone would be returned within three hours, but that has yet to happen.

According to reports, Rizwan has formally contacted the NCCIA, urging them to adhere to a recent directive from the Lahore High Court. This letter follows his earlier petition questioning the NCCIA's authority to investigate the situation.

The court dismissed his request but instructed him to cooperate with the agency while ensuring he would not face harassment or undue inconvenience. It also allowed Rizwan to seek a court order for the recovery of his phone, for which he had provided the password.

In his correspondence, Rizwan requested the agency clarify the specific incident under investigation and inform him of any required appearances for questioning.

He noted that the agency had not reached out to him regarding the return of his phone, asserting that surrendering the device was already a form of cooperation.

Earlier this month, both Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq attended a session with the NCCIA in Lahore concerning alleged information leaks from the team's dressing room. While Imam completed his questionnaire, Rizwan opted to escalate the matter legally.

The controversy stems from Pakistan's disappointing performance in England, where they faced a historic 0-3 defeat on English soil. Following the second Test loss, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent Rizwan, Imam, and five other players back home.

The PCB reportedly handed over the players' mobile phones to the relevant authorities after their dismissal, including those of five other squad members.

As per a report from a local news outlet, the NCCIA is investigating financial transactions involving Rizwan and Imam, scrutinizing their financial activities before and during the Test series, including their bank account details.

Investigators are reviewing bank transactions from this period, and if any suspicious activities are identified, they will investigate the origins of those funds.

Rizwan and Imam were part of seven players released from the squad after the first two Tests of the series against England. The PCB subsequently introduced seven new players and initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry.