Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan is reportedly facing an investigation related to alleged online betting, despite previously rejecting a reported Rs100 million sponsorship offer from a betting-related company.
According to reports published by The News International, Rizwan had previously refused to endorse surrogate betting brands and declined to display their logos on his playing kit. The reports also state that former Pakistan captain Babar Azam rejected a separate sponsorship proposal reportedly worth Rs250 million annually.
Investigation Notice Raises Questions
The investigation notice reportedly refers to online betting and gambling but does not specify a particular offence or match allegedly linked to Rizwan.
Questions have also been raised over the reported seizure of Rizwan’s mobile phone in London and its subsequent transfer to Pakistan. The relevant authorities have reportedly not publicly explained the procedure followed in the matter.
Previous Opposition to Betting Sponsorships
Rizwan has previously been reported to have opposed surrogate betting companies. During his tenure as captain of Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League, he reportedly refused to wear a surrogate betting sponsor’s logo on his playing kit.
According to documented correspondence cited in earlier reports, Rizwan and Babar Azam had rejected lucrative sponsorship offers from betting-related entities through their management representatives.
The reports said both players maintained that they would not endorse betting or surrogate betting brands.
The latest investigation has therefore drawn attention because of Rizwan’s previously reported stance against such sponsorships.
The allegations and questions surrounding the investigation have not, by themselves, established that Rizwan committed any betting-related offence. Further details would depend on the findings of the relevant authorities and any formal proceedings.