The legal challenge of Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan against the proceedings by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency NCCIA) suffered a setback. On September 17, 2026, the Lahore High Court disposed of Rizwan’s petition and ordered him to reply to the agency’s show-cause notice and cooperate with the investigation.

Rizwan Challenged NCCIA Notice

Rizwan challenged the basis as well as the jurisdiction of the NCCIA proceedings in Lahore High Court through his counsel, Qazi Umair Ali. In his petition, he argued the notice did not contain any specific allegation against him nor set out what precisely he was suspected of doing illegally.

The NCCIA notice alluded to an investigation about web betting and gaming. Rizwan asked why the agency was probing him despite not specifying what charges were against him. He has also sought a stay on further proceedings while his petition is being heard in court.

Court Directs Rizwan to Respond

The petition was heard by Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum. His counsel was present during the proceedings, but Rizwan did not personally appear.

The court asked why Rizwan had come to the High Court after he had followed the NCCIA notice. The judge, instead of passing any immediate order on the plea, told his lawyer that he should approach the agency and explain his stand and reply to the notice.

The petition was subsequently dismissed. The court also asked Rizwan to answer a show-cause notice and appear before the agency as needed, reports said

Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq Questioned

The development comes after the Pakistan batter Rizwan and his partner Imam-ul-Haq were recently questioned by one NCCIA in Lahore this month. The duo had their time before the agency after receiving summonses linked to an investigation.

The players were asked by investigators about their activities, contacts and any communications related to Pakistan’s recent Test tour of England, the reports said. Mobile phones and other digital information belonging to them have also been reviewed as part of the investigation.

Previous reports in the English media have also linked the investigation to alleged information being leaked from the Pakistan dressing room during the England series. But it is still not clear publicly what the NCCIA investigation entails and how it relates to separate Pakistan Cricket Board proceedings.

Rizwan’s Legal Arguments

The lawyer of Rizwan had contended that the allegations against the cricketer were baseless and asked why the National Council for Climate Investment Authority (NCCIA) would get to probe into aspects of Pakistan cricketers. His lawyer even expressed concerns over Rizwan’s mobile, which was allegedly seized by the agency during the investigation.

According to the reports, the lawyer also contended that matters concerning cricketers relating to any corruption may be governed or even referred by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) within the jurisdiction of the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit but not specific matter against Rizwan was referred to said body.

What Happens Next?

That ruling leaves the NCCIA proceedings open to move forward. The agency has also taken time until November 30 to file a reply through Rizwan, who will answer the notice and follow the directions of court officials.

The NCCIA has not gone public with its final finding of any wrongdoing on the part of Rizwan or Imam-ul-Haq. The Pakistan Cricket Board is also keeping its fingers crossed and awaiting the findings of the probe to decide on any possible action against players.

The investigations are still ongoing, and any conclusions of wrongdoing is well ahead.

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