Sent home by PCB from England, Rizwan and Imam summoned by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency
Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq (PTI Photo) Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, who were among the seven players sent back to Pakistan by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the team’s heavy defeat against England at Lord’s, have now been summoned by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over information obtained from their mobile phones, according to Geo News.The development adds another layer to the controversy surrounding the Pakistan team, with the NCCIA issuing notices to Rizwan and Imam for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation. A third Pakistani cricketer has also reportedly received a notice from the agency.
The NCCIA will examine data from players’ phones
According to sources quoted by Geo News, the PCB took custody of Rizwan’s and Imam’s mobile phones before handing them over to the relevant authorities. The NCCIA subsequently issued notices to both players and will review information obtained from their devices as part of its investigation.However, the exact reason why the PCB seized the phones remains unclear. The board has not yet issued an official explanation on the matter.
Rizwan, Imam sent home among seven players
The NCCIA development comes days after the PCB made sweeping changes to Pakistan’s Test squad following their 194-run defeat by England at Lord’s. The board released seven players from the touring squad and sent them back to Pakistan. Rizwan and Imam were among those released, along with Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.The PCB also made changes in the coaching staff and relieved head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. Head white-ball coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke were brought in to lead the team.
The PCB also questioned the selection of Rizwan and Imam
The latest development comes amid separate PCB inquiries into the selection of Rizwan and Imam for Pakistan’s Test tours of the West Indies and England. Earlier this month, the PCB asked a member of its selection/advisory committee for a written explanation on the recommendation to include the two players in the Test squad.In a notice issued on August 31, the board asked a committee member to explain the selection criteria, performance considerations and other factors that were taken into account in recommending Rizwan and the imam. The committee member was asked to submit a written reply within 24 hours, with the PCB describing the matter as “urgent and of utmost importance”.