The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allowed former captain Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq to return to domestic cricket amid an ongoing investigation into alleged betting and gambling activities.
Both players can represent their respective teams in the seventh round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I first-class tournament, starting Monday. Rizwan plays for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), while Imam represents Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL).
The two cricketers came under investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) following Pakistan’s defeat in the second Test against England earlier this year.
The agency confiscated their mobile phones as part of the investigation. Rizwan, Imam, and five other players were subsequently withdrawn from the squad before the third and final Test, which Pakistan lost to complete a 3-0 series defeat.
According to reports, both players face allegations under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
Rizwan was previously denied permission to participate in the President’s Trophy, which began last month. His absence was initially attributed to his failure to appear for a preseason fitness test, but it later emerged that the restriction was linked to the NCCIA investigation.
The PCB has not issued an official statement regarding the latest decision. However, SNGPL coach and former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez said on television that Rizwan would lead the team in its next President’s Trophy match if available.
His remarks suggest that the restriction on Rizwan’s domestic participation has been lifted.
Rizwan had also reportedly requested a no-objection certificate (NOC) to participate in the Nepal League, but the PCB only permitted him to play domestic cricket.
Meanwhile, OGDCL has confirmed Imam’s participation in the upcoming round. Farah Batool, president of the OGDCL sports department, said Imam would play after receiving instructions from the PCB. Sources within the board also confirmed the development.
Rizwan was previously summoned by the NCCIA in Lahore on October 2, where he was questioned for more than three hours. The agency has yet to release an official statement regarding the investigation.
Following the emergence of the case, Rizwan also sought permission to use the National Cricket Academy, but the PCB rejected his request.
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