The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has summoned Pakistan cricketers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan for questioning as part of an investigation involving information retrieved from their mobile phones. The development follows the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to take custody of the players’ devices before handing them over to the relevant authorities for further examination.
According to reports, the NCCIA issued notices to both cricketers after receiving access to the mobile phones. A third Pakistan player has also reportedly received a notice in connection with the matter. The agency is expected to review the data and information recovered from the devices as part of its ongoing process. However, the reason behind the PCB taking custody of the players’ phones has not been officially disclosed, as the cricket board has yet to provide a detailed explanation regarding the move. The investigation comes at a time when Pakistan’s Test cricket performance has faced significant scrutiny following heavy defeats in the first two matches of its ongoing series against England. After Pakistan’s loss at Lord’s, the PCB took several immediate measures, including releasing seven players and two coaches from the team setup. The players released included Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad. Along with the player changes, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed from their respective roles. The PCB subsequently brought in white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke to take charge of the team’s coaching responsibilities.
Earlier, the PCB had also requested a written explanation from a member of its Selection/Advisory Committee regarding the inclusion of Rizwan and Imam in Pakistan’s Test squads for the 2026 tours of the West Indies and England. The request was related to the selection process and the factors considered while recommending the players for the squads. According to a PCB notice issued on August 31, the committee member had participated in a selection meeting held on June 2, where recommendations were made regarding the inclusion of both cricketers. The PCB asked the committee member to provide details about the criteria and rationale behind selecting Rizwan and Imam, including their performances and other considerations taken into account during the decision-making process. The official was also directed to explain how the final selection decision was reached after the recommendations were discussed. The written response was required within 24 hours of receiving the notice, with the PCB describing the matter as urgent and important.
The latest NCCIA notices add another layer to the developments surrounding Pakistan’s cricket team management and selection decisions. While the agency continues its review of the retrieved mobile data, further details regarding the scope of the investigation and any subsequent action are expected to emerge after the completion of the official process.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
