LHC directs cricketer Rizwan to cooperate in NCCIA probe
Court dismisses Rizwan’s plea against NCCIA probing online betting and gambling allegations
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has disposed of a petition filed by national cricketer Mohammad Rizwan against an ongoing inquiry by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and directed him to cooperate with the agency regarding the inquiry, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
LHC Chief Justice Justice Aalia Neelum on Tuesday issued the written order on Mohammad Rizwan’s petition.
The decision said that the NCCIA was investigating allegations related to online betting and gambling against Mohammad Rizwan.
According to the government lawyer, the matter falls within the scope of Section 14 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, concerning unlawful financial gain.
Information obtained during cyber patrolling revealed Mohammad Rizwan’s connection to the matter.
The decision said that, at this stage, it was appropriate to allow the relevant agency to continue investigating the allegations.
The ICC Anti-Corruption Code does not affect or end proceedings under other applicable laws.
The ICC’s own code also requires cooperation with the relevant criminal or regulatory authority, and the existence of the ICC disciplinary framework does not obstruct a lawful inquiry by a state-authorized agency.
The court observed that a call-up notice, by itself, does not accuse a person of committing a crime.
The purpose of the inquiry is to detect and eliminate corruption in sports. The court cannot intervene at this preliminary stage before the inquiry is completed and the need for further action is determined.
The court held that if Mohammad Rizwan has a grievance regarding the final outcome of the inquiry, he may seek appropriate relief in accordance with the law.
The decision said that Mohammad Rizwan could approach the relevant court for the return of items seized or taken into custody from him.
The court directed Mohammad Rizwan to join and cooperate with the NCCIA inquiry.
It also directed the NCCIA not to harass or unnecessarily trouble him and to conduct the inquiry in accordance with the law.
Deputy Attorney-General Rafaqat Ali Dogar presented in the court on behalf of the federal government. He also submitted ICC laws in court.