Rizwan's phone remains confiscated; he approaches the ICC after the Lahore High Court dismisses his plea

Mohammad Rizwan has not yet had his mobile phone returned to him. Pakistan's National Cyber ​​Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had seized the phone during the tour of England; it was subsequently brought back to Pakistan for forensic examination.

Rizwan had approached the court to challenge the seizure of his phone and the notice issued by the NCCIA. However, the Lahore High Court dismissed his petition yesterday, Thursday. Following this, the Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman has approached the ICC regarding the matter.

Why was Rizwan's phone seized?

The incident stems from Pakistan's tour of England. Allegations arose that information from the Pakistan dressing room had been leaked during the Test series, prompting the NCCIA to launch an investigation.

As part of the investigation, Rizwan and Pakistan's Test opener, Imam-ul-Haq, were questioned. Both players were required to appear at the NCCIA office in Lahore earlier this month. According to a Geo News report, they were interrogated for approximately two hours.

Inquiries were made regarding whom they had communicated with and met during training sessions and matches in England.

Not just about the dressing room leak

The scope of the investigation extends beyond the leaking of dressing room information. Geo News reported that the NCCIA is also investigating matters related to online betting and gambling.

Rizwan and Imam were questioned on this aspect as well; information was sought regarding their contacts, meetings, and the individuals involved while in England.

What is Rizwan's objection?

Rizwan had been raising objections regarding the matter ever since receiving the NCCIA notice. He argued that although the notice mentioned an investigation into online betting and gambling, no specific allegations were cited against him.

After appearing before the NCCIA, Rizwan sought details regarding the allegations. He claimed that no clear explanation was provided to him. Consequently, he filed a petition with the Lahore High Court challenging the notice and the process of seizing his phone.

What happened in court?

A hearing on Rizwan's petition took place yesterday. His lawyer argued in court that the allegations leveled against Rizwan were baseless. However, at one stage of the hearing, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum expressed dissatisfaction with the arguments presented by Rizwan's lawyer. Subsequently, the court dismissed the petition.

Rizwan Approaches the ICC

Following the dismissal of his petition by the Lahore High Court, Rizwan has approached the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit regarding the matter.

His primary query concerns whether the ICC or the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) were aware of—or involved in—the seizure of his mobile phone, its transfer from England to Pakistan, and the subsequent forensic examination.

A Geo News report states that Rizwan’s communication does not constitute a formal complaint against any specific individual or organization. Instead, he is seeking to clarify whether the entire process adhered to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code. He has also requested guidance from the ICC on the appropriate course of action moving forward.

PCB’s Role Also Under Scrutiny

Prior to its seizure, Rizwan’s phone was in the custody of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). It was later handed over to the relevant authorities for forensic analysis. The PCB has refrained from making detailed comments on the matter due to the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, significant changes have been made to Pakistan’s Test squad. Following the defeat against England at Lord's, seven cricketers—including Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq—were released from the Test team. Concurrently, Head Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and Bowling Coach Umar Gul were removed from their respective roles.

The issue of the phone seizure has now moved beyond the courts to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit. Consequently, the focus of Pakistan cricket remains on the next steps regarding Rizwan’s phone and the ongoing investigation.