The Lahore High Court has dismissed Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan’s petition challenging an inquiry by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), while directing the agency not to harass or unnecessarily trouble the cricketer during the investigation.
Chief Justice Lahore High Court Justice Aalia Neelum issued the written decision on Rizwan’s petition concerning the NCCIA proceedings.
According to the court’s decision, the agency is investigating allegations related to online betting and gambling. The government’s counsel argued that the matter falls within the scope of Section 14 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, relating to obtaining an unlawful financial benefit.
The court observed that, at this stage, the relevant authorities should be allowed to continue investigating the allegations. It also noted that the International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption framework does not prevent state authorities from conducting investigations under applicable laws.
The judgment stated that the issuance of a call-up notice does not, by itself, amount to a declaration that the person has committed an offence. The court found that the NCCIA inquiry was neither beyond the agency’s jurisdiction nor shown to be motivated by bad faith at this preliminary stage.
The court further observed that the purpose of the inquiry was to investigate possible corruption in sport and that judicial intervention before completion of the investigation would be premature.
Rizwan was directed to appear before the NCCIA and cooperate with the inquiry. At the same time, the agency was instructed to conduct the proceedings in accordance with the law and not to harass or unnecessarily inconvenience the cricketer.
The court also said Rizwan could seek appropriate legal remedy if he had a grievance regarding the eventual outcome of the inquiry. Regarding items taken into custody from him, the judgment said he could approach the relevant court for their return.
Rizwan had challenged the NCCIA proceedings, questioning the basis and jurisdiction of the inquiry. Earlier reporting said the agency’s notice concerned an investigation into alleged online betting and gambling, while Rizwan had disputed the allegations and questioned why the agency was investigating the matter.
The court’s decision does not determine whether Rizwan committed any offence; the NCCIA inquiry remains a proceeding to examine the allegations.