The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has summoned Pakistan cricketers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan for questioning over information retrieved from their mobile phones.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had taken custody of the players’ mobile phones before handing them over to the relevant authorities. The NCCIA subsequently issued notices to both cricketers as part of its ongoing investigation. A third Pakistan player has also reportedly received a notice.
The agency is expected to examine data and information recovered from the mobile phones. However, the reason why the PCB took custody of the players’ devices remains unclear, as the board has not issued an official explanation.
The development comes after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the first two Tests of its ongoing series against England. Following the loss at Lord’s, the PCB took emergency measures and released seven players and two coaches from the team.
The players released were Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed from their respective roles, while white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke were brought in to take charge.
Earlier, the PCB had also sought a written explanation from a member of its Selection/Advisory Committee over the selection of Rizwan and Imam for Pakistan’s Test squads for the 2026 tours of the West Indies and England.
According to a PCB notice issued on August 31, the committee member participated in a June 2 selection meeting and recommended the inclusion of both players in the Test squad.
The PCB asked the member to explain the criteria and rationale behind selecting Rizwan and Imam, including their performances and other factors considered during the process. The board also directed the official to explain how the final selection decision was reached.
The written response was required within 24 hours of receiving the notice, with the PCB describing the matter as urgent and of utmost importance.
