Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter, has filed a writ petition in the Lahore High Court challenging a summons issued to him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The summons followed Rizwan's appearance at the agency’s Lahore office last week, where he, along with fellow batter Imam-ul-Haq, was questioned in connection with Pakistan’s recent 3-0 Test series defeat in England.

Both Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq attended the NCCIA office last Thursday and were provided with detailed questionnaires to complete and return. Sources indicate that Imam-ul-Haq submitted his responses via an intermediary before the September 15 deadline. Rizwan, however, raised concerns about the scope of the investigation and questioned the agency’s jurisdiction, leading him to file the writ petition on Monday. The petition reportedly emphasizes the lack of specific allegations against him and challenges the NCCIA’s authority to summon him for questioning.

The questionnaire issued by the NCCIA is believed to have requested information related to the players’ travel records, financial details, and both personal and professional backgrounds. It remains uncertain if the cybercrime agency’s inquiry is connected to a separate internal investigation launched by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Last week, the PCB announced the initiation of an internal disciplinary inquiry into player conduct and discipline following media reports. The board stated that the process is being carried out under PCB regulations.

The summons and investigations come in the wake of Pakistan’s comprehensive 3-0 Test series loss to England, which included a substantial 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord’s. Following this result, seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, were dropped from the national squad and sent home. The PCB subsequently implemented significant changes to the team lineup and also removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul as part of a broader shakeup.

The ongoing inquiries and changes within Pakistan cricket underscore efforts to address performance and disciplinary concerns following the team’s disappointing tour. However, details regarding the nature and direction of the NCCIA investigation have not been publicly clarified.