NCCIA Seeks Mohammad Rizwan’s Cooperation in Ongoing Probe

ISLAMABAD: (Staff Reporter) – Sources within the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) have said that the investigation involving Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq is facing delays because of what the agency describes as Rizwan’s alleged lack of cooperation.

According to NCCIA sources, Rizwan has been contacted several times and asked to assist the investigation, but the agency has yet to receive what it considers a positive response. On some occasions, officials were unable to establish contact, while at other times Rizwan reportedly said he needed to consult his lawyer.

The agency is conducting a forensic examination of the mobile phones of both cricketers, with investigators focusing on financial matters, contacts and potentially suspicious transactions.

Sources said Rizwan’s mobile phone needs to be examined in his presence. Although an alternative procedure is available, officials reportedly believe it could carry a risk of data loss and therefore prefer to conduct the process with his cooperation.

According to the sources, Rizwan has already been questioned about various contacts, but investigators were reportedly not satisfied with some of his responses. The agency considers forensic analysis of his phone necessary to address certain questions arising during the inquiry.

NCCIA sources said Rizwan would be contacted again on Monday and asked to cooperate. If he continues to decline, the agency may consider further legal measures, including issuing a formal notice, in accordance with the law.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been constituted to investigate the matter involving the two cricketers.

Sources said Imam-ul-Haq initially showed some reluctance but subsequently cooperated with the investigation. The forensic examination of his mobile phone has now begun, and recommendations will be prepared after the forensic process and wider inquiry are completed.

The NCCIA emphasized that the investigation remains at a preliminary stage and that no wrongdoing has been established against either cricketer so far. Officials said the facts would become clearer once the forensic analysis and other investigative steps are completed.

According to agency sources, the inquiry was initiated after investigators identified suspicious elements during cyber patrolling. They said all actions against the players were being taken in accordance with the law and under the relevant court directions.

The NCCIA also said its investigation did not conflict with the International Cricket Council’s Code of Conduct. According to the sources, the agency has neither contacted the ICC regarding the matter nor received any communication from the international cricket body.

Sources added that the NCCIA had offered to send its investigation team to Rizwan if he was unable to visit the agency’s office. They said the purpose of the inquiry was to establish the facts and, if no violation was found, clear the cricketers as quickly as possible.

Regarding the social media campaign surrounding Rizwan, agency sources claimed that those promoting the campaign were not acting in the cricketer’s best interests.