KARACHI: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has issued call-up notices to Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq as part of an investigation involving data retrieved from their mobile phones, sources told Geo News on Thursday.
According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took custody of the players’ mobile phones before handing them over to the relevant authorities for examination.
The NCCIA issued notices to Rizwan and Imam on Monday, directing both cricketers to appear at its Lahore office on Friday.
The players will reportedly be asked to unlock their mobile phones, after which investigators will examine data retrieved from the devices as part of the inquiry.
Investigation into alleged dressing-room leaks
Sources said the investigation is focused on alleged dressing-room leaks during Pakistan’s ongoing Test series against England. A third Pakistan cricketer has also reportedly received a notice from the cybercrime agency.
The reason behind the PCB’s decision to take custody of the players’ mobile phones remains unclear, as the board has not issued an official explanation regarding the matter.
PCB seeks explanation over Imam, Rizwan selection for England Tests
The development comes after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the first two Tests of the England series. Following the defeat at Lord’s, the PCB took emergency measures and released seven players and two coaches from the squad.
The players released were Rizwan, Imam, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Owais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also relieved of their duties.
PCB questions selection of Rizwan and Imam
Earlier this month, the PCB also sought a written explanation from a member of its selection 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 had attended a selection meeting on June 2, where responsibility was assigned for considering and selecting players for the Test squad for the two series.
The notice stated that, based on the committee member’s recommendation, Rizwan and Imam were shortlisted for the squad.
The PCB asked the selection committee member to explain the basis and rationale for their selection, including the criteria used, performance considerations and other factors taken into account.
The board also sought details of the process that ultimately led to the decision to include the two players.
The written response was required within 24 hours of receipt of the notice, with the PCB describing the matter as “urgent and of utmost importance.”
The NCCIA investigation and the PCB’s internal inquiry are separate developments, and no official finding has so far been announced against Rizwan or Imam.
