Two Pakistani cricketers have been summoned for questioning by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency following the country's poor performance during a Test tour of England, with investigations focusing on alleged dressing-room information leaks and player conduct.
Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq appeared before Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore on Thursday after being summoned to answer questions related to the team's troubled Test tour of England. According to Pakistani media reports, the investigation was initiated following a complaint by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Both players were among seven members of the squad sent home after Pakistan's heavy defeat in the second Test at Lord's, where the team lost by 194 runs following an innings-and-103-run defeat in the opening match.
The NCCIA's investigation centers on alleged leaks of dressing-room information and the players' contacts and meetings during training sessions and matches in England. Investigators have also subjected the players' mobile phones to forensic and technical analysis, and are examining their financial dealings and transactions before and during the England series, including payments involving companies, individuals or organisations, according to reports citing sources. The NCCIA has not announced any findings of wrongdoing against either player. Both cricketers have reportedly requested additional time to provide written responses to questions raised during questioning.
The inquiry runs parallel to a separate internal disciplinary investigation launched by the PCB into reports concerning player discipline and conduct during the England tour. The board confirmed it launched this inquiry under its regulations but has declined to elaborate while the process remains underway. The PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi previously suggested that factors beyond performance had contributed to squad changes, without providing specifics. Additionally, the PCB issued a notice to selectors requesting written explanations for Rizwan and Imam's selection for both the West Indies and England tours.