Amidst an ongoing investigation, Rizwan is set to return to cricket; he will lead SNGPL in the President's Trophy.

Mohammad Rizwan had been sidelined for some time due to an investigation into online betting and gambling-related matters. Now, the Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman has been granted permission to return to competitive cricket. He will lead the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) team in the final round of the President’s Trophy Grade-1, which begins on October 19. This has been reported by the Pakistani media outlet, Geo Super.

Mohammad Hafeez, the Director of Cricket for SNGPL, confirmed Rizwan’s return. The path for his comeback opened after he received clearance from the Director of Domestic Cricket at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). However, it remains unclear whether the ongoing investigation against Rizwan has reached any resolution.

Participation Halted Due to Investigation

Following his return from the tour of England, Pakistan’s National Cyber ​​Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) initiated an investigation into allegations of online betting and gambling against Rizwan. Uncertainty regarding his participation in domestic cricket arose immediately after the tour, which concluded in the middle of last month.

Rizwan was slated to play for SNGPL in the President’s Trophy, an eight-team first-class tournament. According to a report by Geo Super, he had joined the squad after being dropped from Pakistan’s Test team midway through the England tour. He was expected to lead the side in the absence of captain Shan Masood and had even participated in training sessions and team meetings.

However, the PCB subsequently contacted SNGPL and instructed them not to field Rizwan, citing the ongoing investigation against him.

NOC for Nepal Premier League Yet to be Granted

Earlier this week, communication resumed between Rizwan and the PCB. Instead of seeking permission to play in the President’s Trophy, he requested a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the Nepal Premier League. According to Geo Super, he has also finalized a contract with a franchise in that tournament.

Meanwhile, the SNGPL authorities have reached out to Rizwan, requesting him to participate in the final round of the President’s Trophy. While he has received clearance to return to domestic cricket, he is yet to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play in the Nepal Premier League.

Rizwan Awaits Investigation Results

It is believed that the PCB might grant permission for him to play in the Nepal Premier League once the President’s Trophy concludes. The board is generally reluctant to allow players to participate in foreign leagues while domestic competitions are underway in Pakistan; consequently, Rizwan’s participation in the Nepal Premier League remains uncertain.

Although he has been given the opportunity to return to the President’s Trophy, the uncertainty surrounding Rizwan has not entirely dissipated. All eyes are now on the outcome of the ongoing investigation against him and whether or not he will be granted permission to play in a foreign league.