Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, who were both investigated by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency for alleged dressing-room leaks during the England Test trip, returned to domestic cricket on October 20 and performed admirably in the President’s Trophy.
Imam-ul-Haq scored an undefeated 118 from 196 deliveries for OGDCL against Ghani, including 11 fours, to get his 17th first-class century. He shared an 88-run stand with opening partner Ali Asif, who hit 42, before adding 173 runs with Saad Khan, who added 88. OGDCL finished day one on 277 for 3 in response to Ghani’s first-innings total of 232.
Rizwan headed the SNGPL batting order against KRL, scoring 64 runs off 81 deliveries, including ten fours, before being dismissed by Muhammad Danial Ali Khan. SNGPL was dismissed for 195 in total.
What is the context of the NCCIA investigation?
The case originated during Pakistan’s 2026 Test visit of England. After the team lost the second Test at Lord’s, seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, were sent home from the tour, along with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.
Following the Lord’s Test, PCB security personnel took both players’ cell phones, and data retrieved from those devices was provided to the appropriate authorities. The NCCIA then summoned both men for questioning regarding potential leaks of dressing-room material, albeit the specifics of what was allegedly revealed have not been officially confirmed.
Imam had come under additional scrutiny from PCB head selector and director of high performance Aaqib Javed, who openly questioned the veracity of Imam’s fitness claim and warned him of a possible investigation. Imam tore his left calf muscle during the second Test and did not bat in either of Pakistan’s innings. Rizwan faced separate criticism for his performance in the match, scoring only eight runs in both innings, with many questioning the basis of his dismissals.
Rizwan came before the NCCIA in Lahore on October 10, 2026, with indications indicating the investigation was nearing completion. Neither authority has stated whether the NCCIA process is simultaneous to or formally tied to a PCB disciplinary inquiry.
What did the PCB decide before both players took the field?
Imam gained formal clearance from the PCB to participate in domestic cricket on October 19, 2026, having been forbidden from participating while the probe remained underway. His approval come one day before OGDCL scored a century in the President’s Trophy.
As of October 20, 2026, neither the PCB nor the NCCIA has issued a formal statement on the present status of the probe. There have been no charges filed, and no disciplinary decisions have been announced against either player. The investigation continues continuing, and no definite procedural outcome has been made public.
Aarav Sharma writes about cricket news, match updates, team performances, and major moments from the game.
