Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been reported for investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) regarding his involvement in online betting and gambling. The latest development came to light on September 17, 2026, after the Lahore High Court rejected the relief plea against the notices and asked Mohammad Rizwan to answer the questions posed by investigators.
Rizwan has not been found guilty of any offence. The investigation remains ongoing, while the NCCIA is examining digital evidence and mobile phone data connected to the case.
What Is the NCCIA Investigating?
The inquiry involving Rizwan and fellow Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq initially drew attention after both players were questioned following Pakistan’s Test tour of England. Early reports linked the investigation mainly to alleged dressing-room information leaks and disciplinary concerns surrounding the team.
However, the NCCIA notices later made clear that the inquiry also covers alleged online betting and gambling activities. Rizwan challenged the summons, arguing that the agency had not clearly explained what specific illegal activity he was suspected of carrying out.
The agency has reportedly examined the players’ phones, messages, contacts and financial information. The forensic examination is still underway, and the final findings have not been made public.
Rizwan Questions Agency’s Jurisdiction
Rizwan has strongly challenged the basis of the investigation through his legal team. His lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, argued that the notice did not identify a particular betting platform, transaction, or illegal act involving the cricketer.
The legal team has also questioned whether the NCCIA is the correct authority to investigate allegations involving cricket-related corruption or betting. Rizwan’s lawyer argued that the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit is the appropriate body for matters involving corruption in international cricket.
According to reports, Rizwan also raised concerns over the seizure of his mobile phone. His lawyer told the court that the phone was taken after Rizwan was questioned and that he had been told it would be returned within a few hours. It has reportedly remained with investigators for forensic examination.
The Lahore High Court, however, did not stop the NCCIA inquiry. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum directed Rizwan’s side to respond to the agency’s notice and dismissed the petition challenging the proceedings.
What Happens to Rizwan Now?
The investigation has not yet produced a finding of guilt against Rizwan. The NCCIA is still carrying out its forensic work, and the outcome of that examination is expected to play an important role in determining what happens next.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is also waiting for the agency’s report before deciding whether any separate disciplinary action should be taken against Rizwan or Imam-ul-Haq. Reports indicate that the PCB will consider the forensic findings before taking its next step.
This means that any punishment or disciplinary decision by the PCB would come only after the relevant findings are examined.
Rizwan’s Earlier Stand Against Betting Brands
These new allegations have once again shed light on the stance of Rizwan on betting sponsors.
In 2023, reports said Rizwan and former Pakistan captain Babar Azam had rejected lucrative offers from betting companies. According to documented correspondence reported by The News, Rizwan and Babar declined such commercial associations, with their representatives citing their opposition to betting and surrogate betting brands.
Rizwan had also previously refused to wear a betting-company logo during the Pakistan Super League. Babar similarly refused to promote a betting company during the Lanka Premier League. These incidents established a public record of both players keeping their distance from betting-related promotions.
Some analyses have thus raised the issue of whether there exists a possible connection between the ongoing investigation of Rizwan and his previous disputes regarding betting sponsorship deals. This remains speculative at the moment since there is nothing definite to establish a link between his earlier resistance to betting promotion and the current NCCIA investigation.
Investigation, Not Conviction
In the meantime, the main thing is that Mohammad Rizwan is being investigated but not convicted yet. While the NCCIA is looking into the matter, Rizwan is refuting the validity of the investigation itself and the very jurisdiction of the agency.
The forensic findings will prove decisive in this regard. Until they become public, the allegations about Rizwan’s alleged involvement in betting and gambling should remain as such.
PCB, meanwhile, will wait until the end of the investigation and make its decision regarding any possible measures on its part. For Rizwan, the immediate task is to respond to the NCCIA’s questions and deal with the forensic inquiry.
