Mohammad Rizwan has reportedly been barred by the Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) from speaking publicly or holding a media conference regarding the ongoing investigation on him and national teammate Imam-ul-Haq.
Both Rizwan and Imam are under intense scrutiny by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The probe initially began over alleged dressing-room leaks during Pakistan's turbulent Test tour of England, but it has since expanded to investigate suspected digital footprints relating to online betting, gambling, and scrutinized financial transactions.
According to media outlet Geo News, Rizwan sought formal clearance from the PCB twice under Clause 4.1 of his central contract—which requires contracted players to seek authorization before addressing the matter publicly. Both requests were officially denied by the board.
The report further claimed that Rizwan did not intend to criticize the PCB but simply wanted to interact with journalists to clarify his position, address widespread speculation, and "clear the air" regarding the allegations.
After Pakistan's heavy defeat in the second Test against England at Lord's, Rizwan and Imam were among seven players axed mid-tour and sent back home. Upon their return, a PCB security officer reportedly confiscated their mobile phones for forensic data extraction.
Both players appeared before the NCCIA in Lahore earlier this month, where they were interrogated for several hours regarding their communications, call logs, and contacts during practice sessions and matches.
The investigators also examined the players' recent bank accounts and financial transactions to detect any suspicious movements before or during the England series.
The players' mobile phones continue to remain in the custody of authorities. Rizwan has also approached the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit to seek procedural clarity.
Unlike Rizwan's active legal pushback—which included a now-dismissed petition in the Lahore High Court demanding full details of the inquiry—Imam has maintained a very low profile and submitted his responses to the agency through intermediaries.
The PCB is reportedly waiting for the final forensic and transactional findings from the NCCIA before making any official public statement or deciding on internal disciplinary actions against the cricketers.
