Rizwan and Imam Deliver Statement Knocks on Domestic Return Amid Investigation

After being questioned by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency for purported dressing-room leaks from the England Test tour, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq returned to domestic cricket on October 20 and performed admirably in the President’s Trophy.

Against Ghani, Imam-ul-Haq scored an undefeated 118 off 196 deliveries for OGDCL, reaching his 17th first-class century with 11 fours. In response to Ghani’s first-innings total of 232, OGDCL ended day one on 277 for 3 after he shared an 88-run partnership with opening partner Ali Asif, who scored 42, and then added 173 runs with Saad Khan, who scored 88.

Before Muhammad Danial Ali Khan finished his innings, Rizwan led the SNGPL batting card against KRL with 64 runs off 81 deliveries, including 10 fours. SNGPL was dismissed for a total of 195.

What is the NCCIA investigation’s history?

The lawsuit began with Pakistan’s 2026 Test tour of England. Seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, as well as head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, were sent home from the tour after the team lost the second Test at Lord’s.

After the Lord’s Test, PCB security personnel gathered both players’ cell phones, and information taken from them was given to the appropriate authorities. Both individuals were then summoned by the NCCIA to be questioned about alleged dressing-room information breaches, though the specifics of what was purportedly given have not been made public.

Aaqib Javed, the director of high performance and chief selector for the PCB, publicly questioned the veracity of Imam’s fitness concern and warned him of a potential investigation. Imam was unable to bat in either of Pakistan’s innings due to a left-calf muscle strain sustained during the second Test. With just eight runs in both innings, Rizwan’s performance in that game received criticism from spectators, who also took issue with the way he was dismissed.

On October 10, 2026, Rizwan came before the NCCIA in Lahore; at that point, reports suggested the investigation would be coming to an end. Neither agency has made it clear whether the NCCIA process is formally connected to or operates concurrently with a PCB disciplinary investigation.

Before both players took the field, what decision did the PCB make?

Imam was prohibited from playing while the investigation was ongoing, but on October 19, 2026, the PCB formally cleared him to play domestic cricket. One day prior to his century knock for OGDCL in the President’s Trophy, he received his consent.

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Neither the PCB nor the NCCIA had released a public statement regarding the investigation’s current state as of October 20, 2026. Neither athlete has been the subject of any charges or official disciplinary actions. No definite procedural outcome has been disclosed, and the probe is still underway.

Pulkit Bansal

Part of the CricketDhamaka editorial team, delivering timely and engaging stories covering international cricket, domestic leagues, tournaments, players, and the biggest moments from the sport.