New Delhi: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan has received his first reprieve in the ongoing inquiry into allegations of online betting, gambling, and the leaking of dressing-room information, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) allowing him to resume playing domestic cricket.
Former Pakistan captain Muhammad Hafeez, who serves as the director and head coach of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), confirmed that he received an email from the PCB domestic department permitting Rizwan to play in the ongoing Presidents Cup first-class tournament starting October 19. The fifth round of the tournament began on Monday, with Rizwan set to lead the SNGPL squad.
Rizwan and fellow Pakistan teammate Imam-ul-Haq were previously barred from domestic cricket and recalled from England following the second Test in August to face an investigation by the National Cyber Crime Cell (NCCA). The inquiry touches on alleged leaks of dressing-room information alongside matters related to online betting and gambling.
Rizwan has appeared before the NCCA twice for questioning, although the precise nature of the complaints handled by the government agency has not been publicly detailed. Security personnel accompanying the national team seized the mobile phones of both Rizwan and Imam during the second Test at Lord's, and those devices remain with the NCCA for forensic examination.
While Imam has largely remained out of the public eye throughout the process, Rizwan has frequently made headlines regarding his handling of the investigation. A reliable source indicated that tensions have largely cooled following Rizwan's most recent session with the NCCA in Lahore on October 10, adding that the inquiry could be concluded soon.
Rizwan, an experienced campaigner with 47 Test matches, 103 One-Day Internationals, and 106 Twenty20 Internationals to his name, has not participated in competitive cricket since the Lord's Test in August.