Mohammad Rizwan gets first reprieve from PCB probe, allowed to resume domestic cricket
Mohammad Rizwan (Image: ANI) Pakistan striker Mohammad Rizwan has been cleared to return to domestic cricket amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of online betting, gambling and locker room leaks. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has cleared him to feature in the ongoing Presidents Cup first-class tournament and offered the veteran a reprieve as investigations continue.Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, who serves as the director and head coach of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), confirmed that he had received an email from the PCB’s home department allowing Rizwan to play from October 19.The fifth round of the tournament started on Monday and Rizwan is expected to captain the SNGPL team, Hafeez said.
Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq were called back from England
Rizwan and fellow Pakistan batsman Imam-ul-Haq were banned from domestic cricket after being recalled from England after the second Test in August. Both the players have been asked to face investigation by the National Cyber Crime Cell (NCCA) over the alleged leaks of locker room information and online betting and gambling related issues.Rizwan appeared before the agency twice for questioning. However, the exact nature of the complaints the government body is investigating remains unclear.Phones belonging to Rizwan and Imam were also seized by security personnel accompanying the Pakistan team during the second Test at Lord’s. The devices remain at NCCA for forensic examination as part of the investigation.
The request could be closed soon
While Imam has largely stayed out of the public eye, Rizwan has continued to attract attention amid the investigation. However, a reliable source said on Sunday that the situation has largely eased after the goalkeeper’s last meeting with the NCCA on October 10 in Lahore.The source also hinted that the investigation could be closed soon, although no official announcement has been made confirming its closure.The PCB’s decision to allow Rizwana to continue in domestic cricket marks a significant development in the matter. However, clearance to play should not be construed as confirmation that the investigation has been closed or that the charges have been resolved.
Rizwan is making a comeback after a long absence from competitive cricket
Rizwan, who has represented Pakistan in 47 Tests, 103 ODIs and 106 T20 Internationals, has not played competitive cricket since the second Test against England at Lord’s.