Mohammad Rizwan's Lahore High Court plea dismissed in NCCIA online betting probe
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan had a petition challenging legal action in an online betting and gambling investigation dismissed by the Lahore High Court on Thursday, reports said. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has charged Rizwan in an online betting/gambling case, according to the coverage.
Reports framed the development against a backdrop of recurring off-field controversies affecting Pakistan cricket and described a decline in results. Rizwan had approached the Lahore High Court seeking protection from the NCCIA’s legal action; earlier stages of the probe had reportedly confirmed his involvement in a possible online betting case. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been reported to have played a role in the recent developments and to have informed the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit. Rizwan previously objected to the promotion of betting apps through team sponsorships and covered the logo on his PSL jersey.
Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum rejected Rizwan’s plea on Thursday, the reports stated, removing the legal block to the NCCIA investigation. As a result of the dismissal, Rizwan is required to submit to the agency’s inquiry, according to the same coverage. Media accounts noted the court decision clears the way for further action by investigators.
Revsportz and other Pakistan media outlets reported that Rizwan has been directed to approach the NCCIA and cooperate with officials to respond to notices. Those reports said the keeper-batter must engage with investigators and provide the requested information as part of the probe. The outlets framed the directive as part of routine investigative steps following the court ruling.
Coverage recalled that Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq were asked to submit their mobile phones after the England versus Pakistan series and that those devices were seized in relation to a betting inquiry. The reports add that earlier accusations involving seized phones were cleared at a prior stage, but a new case has since emerged. Some media accounts also stated that he has been found guilty of involvement in gambling and betting.
Media reports emphasised that, despite the charges and court development, there has been no official NCCIA confirmation of any proof or formal finding against Rizwan or Imam-ul-Haq and that the investigation is ongoing. The PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi was identified in coverage as a central authority involved in the matter and was described as also serving as the country’s interior minister. Reports further linked the timing of the investigation to Pakistan’s recent 3-0 Test series defeat in England.
According to the reports, the immediate next steps require Rizwan to make himself available to the NCCIA, respond to its notices and cooperate with investigators while the probe continues; the PCB has notified the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit of the developments.