Mohammad Rizwan has written to Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), asking the agency to return his mobile phone and formally clarify the nature of the investigation involving him.
Rizwan’s phone has remained with the NCCIA since it was taken from him on August 31, a day after Pakistan’s defeat to England at Lord’s. The Pakistan batter has maintained that he cooperated with the agency and is now asking it to comply with directions issued by the Lahore High Court.
Rizwan Wants His Phone Returned
According to the correspondence, Rizwan handed over his phone to investigators in England and provided the password after being told that the device would be returned within three hours.
Four weeks later, the phone remains with the NCCIA.
Rizwan’s letter reportedly states that the agency has not contacted him to arrange the return of the device. He has also pointed out that he voluntarily provided access to the phone despite saying he was not legally obligated to consent to the request.
The Pakistan batter has argued that his actions demonstrate his willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
He has now asked the NCCIA to reciprocate by returning his phone and communicating formally about any further requirements.
Rizwan Asks NCCIA to Explain Nature of Inquiry
A key request in Rizwan’s letter is for the NCCIA to identify the specific incident that forms the basis of its investigation.
He has also asked the agency to inform him in writing about when he is required to appear before it.
Rizwan’s request comes nearly two weeks after the Lahore High Court dismissed his petition challenging the NCCIA’s jurisdiction over the matter.
While the court did not grant Rizwan’s request to have the proceedings dismissed, it directed him to cooperate with the agency.
At the same time, the court instructed the NCCIA not to subject Rizwan to harassment or unnecessary inconvenience.
The ruling also allowed Rizwan to approach a court with the relevant jurisdiction regarding the recovery of items that had not been returned to him, including his mobile phone.
Rizwan Had Challenged NCCIA Summons
The investigation into Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq began following Pakistan’s troubled Test tour of England.
Both players were among those recalled to Pakistan following the second Test at Lord’s and were subsequently questioned by Pakistan’s cybercrime investigators.
While Imam chose to complete a questionnaire provided by the agency, Rizwan opted to challenge the NCCIA’s jurisdiction through legal channels.
That challenge was ultimately unsuccessful, but Rizwan has retained legal representation and continues to communicate with the agency through his lawyers.
Phone Seized After Lord's Test Defeat
The NCCIA took possession of Rizwan’s phone on August 31, shortly after Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s.
Rizwan was reportedly told that the device would be returned within a few hours. Instead, it has remained with the agency for around four weeks.
His latest letter argues that he has already demonstrated his cooperation by providing access to the phone and responding through legal channels.
He is now asking the NCCIA to clearly state what matter is under investigation and what further cooperation is required from him.
Investigation Continues as Rizwan Seeks Clarity
Rizwan’s latest move does not challenge the Lahore High Court’s direction to cooperate with the NCCIA. Instead, his correspondence seeks clarity over the investigation and the continued possession of his phone.
The agency has yet to publicly respond to Rizwan’s latest requests.
For now, the Pakistan batter remains represented by legal counsel and has asked the NCCIA to communicate with him in writing regarding any further proceedings.
