New Delhi, September 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan has submitted his response to a questionnaire issued by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in connection with alleged online gambling activities, while questioning the basis and jurisdiction of the inquiry.
In his response, the wicketkeeper-batter sought details of the allegations against him and questioned why the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) had not been tasked with investigating the matter.
“As a cricketer, I have served the Pakistan team to the best of my ability,” Rizwan said in his response, as quoted by Samaa TV.
Rizwan said he had not been informed about the specific online gambling incident with which he was allegedly linked and requested complete details of the accusations so that he could respond to them.
He also questioned the NCCIA’s authority to investigate the matter, arguing that the ICC ACU should have been involved.
“Despite being an active cricketer, the allegations against me were not reported to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit,” Rizwan stated.
“It is incomprehensible why the NCCIA is conducting an inquiry into such a case,” he added.
Rizwan further requested that the authorities provide him with the full details of the allegations. “I should be provided with full details of the allegations against me so that I can participate in the inquiry,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court has dismissed Rizwan’s petition challenging the NCCIA inquiry. Rizwan had argued that the agency had not explained why he was being questioned and lacked jurisdiction over the matter. The petition was dismissed shortly after Thursday’s hearing.
The developments follow the appearance of Rizwan and fellow Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq before the NCCIA in Lahore over alleged leaks of information from the team’s dressing room. Imam completed his response to the questionnaire, while Rizwan initially approached the court over the matter.
The inquiry comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s poor Test campaign in England, where the team suffered a 0-3 series defeat. Following the second Test, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent Rizwan, Imam and five other players home.
The PCB reportedly handed over the mobile phones of the two players, along with those of five other members of the Test squad, to the relevant authorities following their removal from the team.
According to Pakistan-based The News International, the NCCIA examined financial matters and suspected transactions involving Rizwan and Imam. Investigators reportedly scrutinised their financial dealings before and during the England series, including bank account transactions.
The report said authorities would examine the source of funds if any transactions were found to require further scrutiny.
Rizwan and Imam were among seven players released from Pakistan’s squad after the first two Tests of the three-match series against England. The PCB replaced the seven players with fresh faces and subsequently initiated an “internal disciplinary inquiry.”
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