Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq cleared for domestic cricket as Pakistan probe nears end

Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq have been cleared to play domestic cricket, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in Lahore on Thursday, even as the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency pursues an inquiry into alleged dressing-room leaks during the England tour. The investigation follows Pakistan's 0-3 Test series defeat against England and, according to Naqvi, is approaching completion.

The NCCIA is examining accusations that confidential information and internal matters were leaked from the team's dressing room during the tour. Naqvi told reporters both players received permission to feature in domestic matches despite the ongoing probe, and he indicated the agency was close to finalising its inquiry, although he did not give a precise timetable for its conclusion. The PCB chairman linked the investigation directly to events on the England tour and confirmed administrative steps were being taken while the inquiry continued.

Naqvi addressed the delayed release of Pakistan's central contracts, saying the selection of the list was nearly finished and would be published shortly. "I think they are finalised or would be finalised by tomorrow," he added. The PCB postponed the announcement of its latest central contracts by around three months, and the previous agreements expired on July 31, leaving players without updated terms in the interim.

Asked about reported financial pressures around the Pakistan Super League, Naqvi referenced sums paid for the league's new franchises and the sale of Multan Sultans when discussing owners' expectations. He said owners should not expect immediate returns on their investments and stressed the importance of pre-entry feasibility assessments. "Whatever the owners of these new franchises know, they can't expect to make profits after a year or two, and they must have done their feasibility report before joining the PSL," he said, and he added that owners wishing to sell franchises could do so provided they complied with league rules and regulations.

Naqvi also expressed confidence in the PCB's cricketing direction and reiterated his support for the team and management. He said he trusted his team to manage cricketing matters and that he expected improved outcomes as younger players were prepared. "I am there to back them all the time, and we are expecting much better results when the next batch of young players are ready in the next six months," he said.

On the investigation's next steps, Naqvi said the NCCIA required additional clarification from Rizwan before finalising its report. "I have spoken to the NCCIA and they just need more clarity from Rizwan, after which they will submit their findings in a few days' time, although I can't give an exact deadline," Naqvi said as quoted by PTI.