In a written response to the NCCIA’s letter issued yesterday, Rizwan confirmed that he would appear before the agency as instructed on October 2.
Mohammad Rizwan has once again sought clarity from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over the case against him, pointing out inconsistencies in the agency’s explanations for why he is being investigated, according to Cricinfo. However, he said the latest letter appeared to have completely changed the reason given for the enquiry. Rizwan said the initial notice served to him expressly stated that the enquiry concerned betting and gambling in Pakistan cricket.
However, the NCCIA’s letter issued yesterday made no mention of betting and instead said that he was being investigated under the “relevant provisions of PECA 2016”. PECA refers to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act, though the agency did not specify which provision Rizwan had allegedly violated, according to Cricinfo.
Rizwan’s legal team said his association with a potential betting and gambling enquiry had tarnished his name and integrity without giving him an opportunity to defend himself, as he had not been informed of the specific charge against him. Rizwan has once again sought the return of his mobile phone, which was taken from him in London a day after Pakistan’s defeat in the second Test of the series at Lord’s, according to Cricinfo. The team sought clarity on whether the scope of the enquiry had changed from betting and gambling to a separate alleged breach of law. It also questioned whether the NCCIA had consulted the PCB or ICC anti-corruption units at any stage while investigating Rizwan over potential betting and gambling violations. He appeared to question the due process followed in the confiscation of the phone, saying he had not been provided with any seizure inventory or custody record despite its continued retention.
