Mohammad Rizwan is poised to lead Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in the final round of the President’s Trophy, starting on 19 October. This will mark his first appearance in this year’s competition, which began last month. Rizwan was previously ineligible due to his “failure to appear in the pre-season fitness test,” as noted by a PCB source. However, it was later revealed that his participation was obstructed due to an investigation by the National Centre for Cyber Crime and Internet Affairs (NCCIA).
Rizwan is also expected to represent Peshawar in the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy next month. The wicketkeeper-batter has been questioned twice by the NCCIA since his return from the Lord’s Test in August. The investigation revolves around alleged online betting and gambling activities in Pakistani cricket. Rizwan sought legal recourse by filing a petition with the Lahore High Court, challenging the agency’s actions and requesting the return of his mobile phone. The court ultimately dismissed this petition. Before his next scheduled meeting with the NCCIA earlier this month, he wrote to the agency, demanding clarification on the investigation.
Alongside Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq is also under scrutiny by the NCCIA, with his phone still retained by the officials. Unlike Rizwan, Imam has chosen not to contest the proceedings in court, and his participation in the President’s Trophy remains uncertain as of now.
Rizwan’s return is set to provide a crucial lift for SNGPL, who face the threat of relegation. Last year’s runners-up are currently at the bottom of the eight-team leaderboard, having drawn five matches and lost one. Their upcoming match against the third-placed Khan Research Laboratories at Shoaib Akhtar Stadium in Rawalpindi will be pivotal for their standing.
