Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has formally submitted his response to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) questionnaire, while simultaneously questioning the agency's authority to conduct the inquiry. The development, which came on 17 September 2026, follows a wider probe into alleged information leaks and suspect financial transactions linked to Pakistan's disastrous 0-3 Test series defeat in England.

What Rizwan Said in His Response

In his written submission, Rizwan challenged the fundamental basis of the NCCIA's inquiry. 'As a cricketer, I have served the Pakistan team to the best of my ability,' he stated, as quoted by Samaa TV. He further argued that cricket-related corruption matters fall squarely within the remit of the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption Unit (ICC ACU), not a domestic cyber crime body.

'Despite being an active cricketer, the allegations against me were not reported to the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit,' Rizwan wrote. He also demanded full disclosure of the charges. 'I should be provided with full details of the allegations against me so that I can participate in the inquiry,' he said, adding: 'It is incomprehensible why the NCCIA is conducting an inquiry into such a case.'

Lahore High Court Dismisses Petition

Earlier, Rizwan had approached the Lahore High Court, arguing that the NCCIA had not explained why it was questioning him and that it lacked jurisdiction over the matter. The court dismissed the petition shortly after the hearing on Thursday, effectively clearing the way for the agency's inquiry to proceed. The dismissal means Rizwan cannot currently use a legal challenge to block the investigation.

Background: The England Series Fallout

The probe traces back to Pakistan's historic 0-3 whitewash by England — the country's first-ever such defeat on English soil. Following the second Test loss, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and five other players home. The PCB reportedly also handed over the mobile phones of the seven dismissed players to investigators.

Rizwan and Imam subsequently appeared before the NCCIA in Lahore over alleged leaks of sensitive information from the team's dressing room. According to reports citing The News International, investigators examined the players' financial dealings — including bank account transactions — before and during the Test series. While Imam-ul-Haq completed his questionnaire response, Rizwan initially challenged the process in court before ultimately submitting his written reply.

What Investigators Are Examining

According to reports, the NCCIA scrutinised financial matters and suspected transactions involving both players. Investigators reviewed bank account activity during the England tour, and are reportedly looking into the source of any flagged funds. The PCB has separately initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following the squad reshuffle, with seven replacement players called in after the dismissals.

What Happens Next

With Rizwan's questionnaire response now on record and his court challenge dismissed, the NCCIA is expected to advance its investigation. Whether the ICC ACU will be formally engaged — as Rizwan has demanded — remains unclear. The PCB's parallel internal inquiry also continues, and further disciplinary proceedings against the removed players have not been ruled out.