According to a report by Dawn, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has permitted former captain Mohammad Rizwan and opening batsman Imamul Haq to participate in the seventh round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I first-class tournament starting on Monday.
Rizwan represents Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), while Imam plays for Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL). Both cricketers had previously been kept out of domestic action during an investigation.
What happened
Dawn reported that both players were placed under investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over alleged betting and gambling activities following Pakistan’s defeat in the second Test in England earlier this year. Their mobile phones were confiscated, and they were among seven squad members withdrawn before the final Test, which Pakistan lost 3-0. Rizwan was previously barred from participating in the domestic tournament and was also denied permission to use the National Cricket Academy.
Key facts
- Rizwan and Imam face allegations under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), according to reports cited by Dawn.
- Rizwan was questioned by the NCCIA in Lahore for over three hours on October 2, though no official statement has been released by the agency.
- Rizwan requested a no-objection certificate from the PCB to join the Nepal League, but the board only authorized him to play in domestic competitions.
- SNGPL coach Mohammad Hafeez stated on electronic media that Rizwan would lead the team if available.
- Farah Batool, president of the OGDCL sports department, confirmed that Imam will feature in the seventh-round fixture following directions from the PCB.
Why it matters
The decision permits two high-profile national cricketers to resume playing domestic matches despite the ongoing cybercrime inquiry. While the PCB has not released a formal public announcement, statements from team officials and board sources indicate that there is no longer a restriction preventing the duo from competing domestically. Further official findings regarding the ongoing probe are not specified in the source; please check the official notice.
Source: Dawn - Home · Published October 18, 2026 · Photo by Alex Shuper on Unsplash