Mohammad Rizwan has twice sought permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board to publicly address the ongoing investigation into him, but the board has rejected both requests, according to reports from Pakistan.
Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq were among seven players sent home midway through Pakistan’s recent Test tour of England. The two were subsequently questioned by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore over information obtained from their mobile phones. Their devices were taken into custody during the England tour and have been subject to forensic examination.
According to reports, Rizwan wanted to explain his position publicly, including the circumstances surrounding the seizure of his phone and the allegations being examined by the authorities. He also wanted to explain a letter he had sent to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit seeking clarity over the procedure being followed.
Rizwan reportedly approached the PCB twice for permission to speak, in accordance with the terms of his central contract. Clause 4.1 requires centrally contracted players to obtain approval before making public statements on matters covered by their contracts. Both requests were turned down.
The reports say Rizwan’s intention was to present his side of the matter rather than accuse the PCB or any other authority. The development comes as the investigation remains ongoing, with the PCB awaiting the findings before deciding whether any disciplinary action is required.
The wicketkeeper-batter has also challenged aspects of the NCCIA investigation through the Lahore High Court. On Monday, the court directed the agency not to harass Rizwan while instructing him to cooperate with the inquiry.
The investigation has followed a turbulent period for Rizwan. He was one of seven Pakistan players sent back from England after the first two Tests, with the PCB making sweeping changes to the squad before the third match. Imam was also questioned by the NCCIA and has remained under scrutiny in a separate matter involving his fitness during the Lord’s Test.
For now, Rizwan’s attempts to publicly explain the situation remain blocked by the PCB, while the NCCIA inquiry continues. No finding of wrongdoing against Rizwan has been established by the investigation at this stage.
