Mohammad Rizwan has approached the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) seeking clarity over the procedure followed during an ongoing investigation involving him, as Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) continues examining allegations linked to betting, gambling and possible dressing-room information leaks.
The development adds a fresh twist to a case that began during Pakistan’s recent tour of England and has since involved questioning of players, seizure of mobile phones and forensic examination of digital information.
According to reports from PTI and Geo News, Rizwan submitted a request through the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit’s online portal. His main concern is reportedly not a formal complaint against any individual or organisation, but whether the procedure followed in his case was consistent with cricket’s anti-corruption framework.
The former Pakistan captain has specifically sought clarification on whether the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) followed the prescribed process if it suspected an international player of corruption. He has also reportedly asked whether the ICC ACU or England and Wales Cricket Board’s anti-corruption authorities were aware of, or involved in, the seizure of his mobile phone in England.
Why Mohammad Rizwan has approached the ICC
The issue centres around Rizwan’s mobile phone and the manner in which it was taken into custody during Pakistan’s England tour.
According to reports, Rizwan was called to a hotel lobby after the Lord’s Test and questioned. His lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, told the Lahore High Court that the cricketer’s phone was taken after he was allegedly told it would be returned within three hours. The device, however, has reportedly remained with investigators and was subsequently subjected to forensic examination in Pakistan.
Rizwan now wants the ICC to clarify whether the process of obtaining the phone, transferring it from the United Kingdom to Pakistan and conducting a forensic examination followed the applicable anti-corruption procedures.
That question has become particularly important because the ICC’s anti-corruption system covers official cricket and establishes obligations for participants. Since June 1, 2024, the ICC says a single Anti-Corruption Code applies to official cricket, replacing separate domestic anti-corruption codes previously issued by member boards.
However, the existence of the ICC framework does not itself establish that Rizwan committed any offence. The publicly available reports so far do not show a final finding against him.
What is the NCCIA investigating?
The investigation reportedly began after developments surrounding Pakistan’s Test tour of England.
Rizwan and fellow Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq were questioned by the NCCIA after returning to Pakistan. Reports have linked the inquiry to alleged dressing-room information leaks as well as possible connections with online betting and gambling websites.
Investigators have reportedly examined mobile phones, digital information, contacts and financial transactions. The NCCIA has also questioned the players about their activities and contacts around the England series.
Importantly, an initial examination of Rizwan and Imam’s phones reportedly did not uncover significant evidence, although the wider forensic investigation has continued. No final public finding has been announced establishing that either player participated in illegal betting, gambling or corruption.
That distinction is crucial as the investigation develops.
Being questioned by an investigative agency does not, by itself, mean that a player has been found guilty of wrongdoing. Until an official conclusion is announced, allegations and investigative leads remain allegations.
Lahore High Court rejects Rizwan’s challenge
Rizwan’s latest approach to the ICC comes shortly after the Lahore High Court refused to entertain his challenge against the NCCIA proceedings.
Rizwan’s lawyer argued that the NCCIA’s inquiry was outside its jurisdiction and that corruption-related matters involving international cricketers should fall within the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit’s framework.
The court, however, directed Rizwan to respond to the NCCIA’s notice through the established process rather than intervene at that stage. The Lahore High Court subsequently dismissed the petition.
The court’s decision does not amount to a finding that Rizwan committed corruption. It concerns the legal process surrounding the NCCIA inquiry and Rizwan’s attempt to challenge the agency’s proceedings.
That distinction is likely to remain important as the investigation moves forward.
What exactly does Rizwan want from the ICC?
The former Pakistan captain’s request appears focused on procedure.
Reports say Rizwan wants to know whether the ICC ACU or ECB anti-corruption authorities were informed about the action taken against him in England. He has also reportedly asked whether the seizure and subsequent transfer of his phone complied with the relevant ICC Anti-Corruption Code.
Another reported concern involves his responsibilities if he is required to cooperate with anti-corruption authorities again.
In simple terms, Rizwan appears to be seeking clarity about who was supposed to handle the matter, what procedure should have been followed and what his obligations are as an international cricketer.
The ICC’s response, if any, could therefore provide important clarity about the relationship between cricket’s anti-corruption authorities and a national government investigation.
PCB’s role now under the spotlight
The latest development also puts the Pakistan Cricket Board’s role under greater scrutiny.
According to PTI, it remains unclear whether the PCB formally suspected Rizwan of corrupt activity or whether it informed the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit about the matter. That uncertainty is one of the reasons Rizwan has reportedly sought clarification from the global governing body.
The PCB’s position and any communication between the board, the ICC and investigative authorities could become significant if the NCCIA eventually identifies evidence of misconduct.
At present, however, there is no publicly announced final conclusion against Rizwan.
For Pakistan cricket, the situation is particularly sensitive because Rizwan has been a senior member of the national team for more than a decade and has played international cricket across all three formats. His involvement in an investigation therefore naturally attracts considerable attention.
What happens next?
The immediate focus will be on the NCCIA’s continuing forensic investigation and any formal response from the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit.
If the forensic examination produces no evidence of wrongdoing, the case could move in a very different direction. If investigators identify information requiring further action, the PCB and relevant cricket authorities could then have to determine what disciplinary or anti-corruption procedures apply.
For now, the facts available publicly remain limited.
Rizwan has been questioned, his phone has been examined, his legal challenge at the Lahore High Court has been dismissed, and he has now approached the ICC for procedural clarity. But there has been no publicly announced final finding that Mohammad Rizwan committed corruption or illegal betting-related activity.
That makes the next stage of the investigation particularly important.
As more information emerges from the NCCIA, PCB or ICC, the picture should become clearer. Until then, it is important to separate confirmed developments from allegations and reports surrounding the case.
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