Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq Questioned by Pakistan Cybercrime Investigators

Both players were among seven cricketers removed from Pakistan's squad and sent home following the team's heavy defeat in the second Test at Lord's. They had been summoned by the NCCIA and appeared before the agency on Thursday.

At least one of the players is understood to have spent several hours with investigators. One player has reportedly been given a questionnaire and asked to submit written responses to the NCCIA next week.

The exact reason for the questioning remains unclear, and it is not yet known whether the investigation is connected to the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) separate internal disciplinary inquiry.

PCB Conducts Separate Inquiry

Earlier this week, the PCB announced that it had launched an internal disciplinary investigation following media reports concerning discipline and conduct.

The board did not identify any players but said the matter was being reviewed internally under PCB regulations.

The developments come after Pakistan's disappointing Test campaign in England. Pakistan lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord's.

Following the second Test, seven players, along with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, were removed from the squad. Seven replacements were subsequently sent to England, with five of them yet to make their international debuts.

Rizwan's Form Under Scrutiny

Rizwan's batting form was a concern throughout the England tour. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 12, 41, 7 and 1 in his four innings, following similarly modest returns during Pakistan's two-Test series in the Caribbean.

His wicketkeeping, however, remained highly regarded. Until the West Indies series, Rizwan had been Pakistan's leading Test run-scorer since January 2024.

His dismissal for just one run in the second innings at Lord's, when he attempted an awkward shot, drew significant criticism amid Pakistan's disappointing performance.

Questions Over Imam's Injury

Imam-ul-Haq's situation also attracted attention during the Lord's Test.

The opening batter was diagnosed with a Grade 1 tear in his left calf after the first day's play and did not take part in either of Pakistan's innings.

On the final morning, Imam attempted some light batting during the team's warm-up but appeared to struggle physically.

Pakistan's chief selector and director of high performance, Aaqib Javed, publicly questioned the nature of Imam's injury at the time and indicated that the matter could be investigated.

PCB Chairman Hints at Wider Issues

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, while defending the decision to make sweeping changes to the squad, suggested that factors beyond on-field performances had influenced the move.

"We have had a discussion to ascertain the reasons behind it. They include factors beyond performance and we will get to the bottom of it," Naqvi said.

The PCB also issued a notice to its selectors following the Lord's Test, seeking written explanations for the selection of Rizwan and Imam for both the West Indies and England tours.

The selectors were asked to explain the reasons for their selections and outline the process through which the decisions had been made within 24 hours of receiving the notice.

The upheaval also resulted in former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq resigning from his position as a selector following the squad changes.

With the NCCIA questioning now added to the PCB's internal inquiry, the controversy surrounding Pakistan cricket's England tour continues to unfold.