Pakistan national cricketers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan have been allowed to return to domestic cricket. Both players will now feature in the final stage of the President’s Trophy Grade-I tournament.
According to media reports, Imam-ul-Haq will represent Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in the concluding stage of the tournament.
The department has confirmed his availability for the stage beginning Tuesday after receiving clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Also read: Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq Excluded from President’s Trophy for Not Taking Fitness Tests
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is also ready to return to competitive cricket. He will lead Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL).
SNGPL Director of Cricket Mohammad Hafeez confirmed Rizwan’s return, stating that the necessary approval had been granted by the PCB’s Director of Domestic Cricket.
Both experienced Pakistani players had been absent from domestic cricket because of various issues that arose during and after the England tour. With clearance now granted, they will have the opportunity to return to competitive cricket and regain their form.
Difficulties After the England Tour
Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan were among seven Pakistani cricketers sent back home during Pakistan’s England tour in August. Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the first two matches of the three-Test series.
Read more: Mohammad Rizwan Appears Before NCCIA for Mobile Phone Forensic Analysis
After returning home, both players were summoned by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for questioning as part of an investigation into the alleged leaking of dressing-room information. According to reports, investigators also reviewed material obtained from the players’ mobile phones.
The PCB subsequently barred both players from participating in domestic cricket. According to the board, they had failed to submit the mandatory fitness-test reports to their respective departments.
Opportunity to Regain Form
The 34-year-old Mohammad Rizwan also faced further legal proceedings during the investigation. The NCCIA issued him a notice under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, while his mobile phone was also taken into custody for the investigation in England on August 31.
Returning to domestic cricket will give both players an opportunity to improve their form, rhythm and match fitness. Their availability could also prove valuable for OGDCL and SNGPL, which will benefit from having experienced international players in their squads.
Read more: Everyone Will Be Held Accountable for Team’s Failure; Imam-ul-Haq’s Injury Will Also Be Investigated, Says Aaqib Javed
However, returning to domestic cricket does not guarantee that either player will be selected for the national team. Their availability for upcoming international matches will be determined in accordance with the PCB’s selection policy and relevant requirements.
Attention during the final stage of the President’s Trophy will now be focused on how both players perform after an extended absence from the field.
