Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been cleared to return to domestic cricket amid an ongoing inquiry into allegations involving online betting, gambling and the leaking of dressing-room information. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has permitted him to feature in the ongoing Presidents Cup first-class tournament, offering the veteran batter a reprieve as the investigation continues.
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, who serves as director and head coach of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), confirmed that he had received an email from the PCB's domestic department authorising Rizwan to play from October 19.
The fifth round of the tournament began on Monday, with Rizwan expected to captain the SNGPL side, Hafeez said.
Rizwan and fellow Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq were barred from domestic cricket after being called back from England following the second Test in August. Both players were asked to face an inquiry by the National Cyber Crime Cell (NCCA) over alleged leaks of dressing-room information and issues related to online betting and gambling.
Rizwan has appeared before the agency twice for questioning. However, the exact nature of the complaints being investigated by the government body remains unclear.
The phones belonging to Rizwan and Imam were also seized by security personnel accompanying the Pakistan team during the second Test at Lord's. The devices remain with the NCCA for forensic examination as part of the inquiry.
While Imam has largely remained out of the public eye, Rizwan has continued to attract attention amid the investigation. However, a reliable source indicated on Sunday that the situation had largely eased following the wicketkeeper-batter's most recent session with the NCCA on October 10 in Lahore.
The source also suggested that the inquiry could be concluded soon, although no official announcement confirming its closure has been made.
The PCB's decision to allow Rizwan to resume domestic cricket marks a significant development in the matter. However, permission to play should not be interpreted as confirmation that the inquiry has been concluded or that the allegations have been resolved.
Rizwan, who has represented Pakistan in 47 Tests, 103 ODIs and 106 T20 Internationals, has not played competitive cricket since the second Test against England at Lord's.
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, who serves as director and head coach of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), confirmed that he had received an email from the PCB's domestic department authorising Rizwan to play from October 19.
The fifth round of the tournament began on Monday, with Rizwan expected to captain the SNGPL side, Hafeez said.
Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq Were Called Back From England
Rizwan and fellow Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq were barred from domestic cricket after being called back from England following the second Test in August. Both players were asked to face an inquiry by the National Cyber Crime Cell (NCCA) over alleged leaks of dressing-room information and issues related to online betting and gambling.
Rizwan has appeared before the agency twice for questioning. However, the exact nature of the complaints being investigated by the government body remains unclear.
The phones belonging to Rizwan and Imam were also seized by security personnel accompanying the Pakistan team during the second Test at Lord's. The devices remain with the NCCA for forensic examination as part of the inquiry.
Inquiry Could Be Concluded Soon
While Imam has largely remained out of the public eye, Rizwan has continued to attract attention amid the investigation. However, a reliable source indicated on Sunday that the situation had largely eased following the wicketkeeper-batter's most recent session with the NCCA on October 10 in Lahore.
The source also suggested that the inquiry could be concluded soon, although no official announcement confirming its closure has been made.
The PCB's decision to allow Rizwan to resume domestic cricket marks a significant development in the matter. However, permission to play should not be interpreted as confirmation that the inquiry has been concluded or that the allegations have been resolved.
Rizwan Returns After Lengthy Absence From Competitive Cricket
Rizwan, who has represented Pakistan in 47 Tests, 103 ODIs and 106 T20 Internationals, has not played competitive cricket since the second Test against England at Lord's.