Pakistan cricketers
According to reports, the NCCIA has issued notices to both players as part of an ongoing inquiry. The investigation involves the examination of information retrieved from their mobile devices, which were reportedly taken into custody by the
Investigation follows squad overhaul
The summons marks a significant escalation in the scrutiny surrounding the Pakistan team. While the PCB has confirmed the release of seven players from the squad—including Rizwan, Imam, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad—the board has yet to provide an official explanation regarding the specific circumstances surrounding the collection of the players' mobile phones.
The squad changes extended beyond the playing group, with the PCB also parting ways with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. In their place, the board appointed Mike Hesson as the white-ball head coach, supported by bowling coach Ashley Noffke.
Selection process under separate review
In addition to the cyber agency's inquiry, the PCB is conducting a separate internal investigation into the selection process that led to the inclusion of Rizwan and Imam in the Test squads for the tours of the West Indies and England. On August 31, the board issued an urgent notice to a member of its Selection/Advisory Committee, demanding a written explanation regarding the criteria and performance metrics used to justify the players' selection.
The committee member was given a 24-hour window to respond to the board's inquiry, which the PCB described as a matter of utmost importance. As the situation develops, the focus remains on the intersection of these ongoing investigations and the recent restructuring of the national cricket setup.
