Mohammad Rizwan Approaches ICC Over NCCIA Phone Seizure in Online Betting Allegation Probe: Report
Mohammad Rizwan has approached the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) for clarity after Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) seized his mobile phone. The Lahore High Court dismissed his petition challenging the agency's notices.
Pakistan's prominent wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has escalated his concerns to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), seeking clarification on the procedures surrounding the confiscation of his mobile phone by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). This move comes swiftly after the Lahore High Court (LHC) dismissed his petition challenging the NCCIA's notices and the ongoing inquiry into alleged online betting and dressing-room leaks. Mohammad Rizwan Challenges NCCIA Jurisdiction, Demands Details of Online Gambling Allegations: Report.
As per Geo News, Rizwan submitted an online request through the ICC ACU portal, aiming to ascertain whether the ICC or the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had any prior knowledge of, or involvement in, the actions taken against him. He is reportedly seeking guidance on the adherence of the phone seizure and subsequent forensic examination process to the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.
Court Dismissal and Agency Inquiry
The Lahore High Court, presided over by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, dismissed Rizwan's petition challenging the NCCIA's jurisdiction and the basis of their investigation. Rizwan's lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, had argued that the allegations against his client were false and baseless, highlighting that Rizwan's mobile phone was confiscated without a formal notice after the Lord's Test in England, with assurances of its return within three hours that were not met.
Justice Neelum reportedly expressed displeasure during the hearing, noting the absence of the case file from Rizwan's lawyer and directing the cricketer to cooperate with the NCCIA by responding to their notices directly. The court's decision effectively mandates Rizwan to engage with the national cyber crime agency.
The NCCIA's inquiry reportedly stems from allegations of online betting and gambling in Pakistani cricket, alongside suspected dressing-room leaks that emerged during Pakistan's recent 3-0 Test series loss to England. The investigation is also believed to encompass financial matters and transactions involving the players. Pakistan Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan Named in NCCIA Probe Into Online Betting Allegations.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| After Lord's Test | Mohammad Rizwan's mobile phone confiscated by NCCIA officials. |
| September 10, 2026 | Mohammad Rizwan summoned by the NCCIA. |
| September 16, 2026 | Mohammad Rizwan files writ petition in Lahore High Court. |
| September 17, 2026 | Lahore High Court dismisses Rizwan's petition. |
| September 18, 2026 | Rizwan approaches ICC Anti-Corruption Unit. |
Fellow Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq was also summoned by the NCCIA and has reportedly submitted his responses to the agency's questionnaire earlier this week, unlike Rizwan who opted for legal recourse. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had previously initiated its own internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct during the England tour, although it's unclear if these investigations are directly linked.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the ICC ACU's response and any further directives from the NCCIA, which continues its forensic examination of the seized devices as part of its ongoing probe into the integrity of Pakistani cricket.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2026 10:43 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
