Mohammad Rizwan has made an appeal to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), urging them to comply with a Lahore High Court order. In a recent letter, Rizwan highlighted his lack of clarity regarding the ongoing investigation and requested the return of his mobile phone, which the agency seized on 31 August, a day after Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s. Rizwan claims he was originally informed that his phone would be returned within three hours.
This letter from Rizwan comes approximately two weeks after the Lahore High Court turned down his previous petition, in which he argued that the NCCIA lacked jurisdiction over the case. While the court instructed Rizwan to cooperate with the NCCIA, it also mandated that he should not face “harassment or unnecessary inconvenience”. The court advised Rizwan to seek the appropriate legal route to recover his belongings, most notably his mobile phone.
Rizwan has accused the NCCIA of failing to follow the court’s directives, as he has received no contact from them regarding the agreement. His letter requests written clarification on the nature of the investigation and when he must meet with the agency. Rizwan mentioned he allowed access to his phone in the UK—despite no legal obligation—after being assured it would be returned promptly. To date, the phone remains with the agency, with Rizwan still lacking any communication concerning its return.
The letter also stresses Rizwan’s cooperative approach, asserting that the NCCIA should reciprocate by returning his phone and clarifying the case’s details. This development in the inquiry follows an investigation into both Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq after Pakistan’s defeat in the second Test, which led to their immediate recall to Pakistan. Unlike Rizwan, who sought legal counsel to challenge the NCCIA’s jurisdiction, Imam chose to complete the agency’s questionnaire. Though Rizwan’s jurisdiction challenge was dismissed, his legal team continues to insist that the NCCIA convey any pertinent case matters in writing.
