Web Desk: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has returned to domestic cricket after receiving temporary relief from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), despite an ongoing investigation into allegations involving online betting, gambling and the leaking of dressing-room information.
The 34-year-old has been cleared to represent Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in the President’s Trophy Grade-I first-class tournament, marking his return to competitive cricket after weeks away from the game.
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, who serves as SNGPL’s director and head coach, confirmed receiving an email from the PCB’s domestic cricket department permitting Rizwan to resume playing from October 19.
Rizwan and fellow Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq came under investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) following Pakistan’s Test tour of England in August.
The two players were called back from England after the second Test at Lord’s and subsequently barred from participating in domestic cricket while authorities examined allegations involving online betting, gambling and the possible leaking of confidential dressing-room information.
Moreover, investigators seized their mobile phones for forensic examination as part of the inquiry.
Rizwan has appeared before the agency for questioning twice, although authorities have not publicly disclosed the precise nature of the complaints or presented any final findings.
The PCB’s decision to allow Rizwan to return to domestic cricket marks a significant development in the case.
According to reports, the board’s domestic department communicated its approval to SNGPL, allowing the wicketkeeper-batter to join the team for the President’s Trophy.
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