Sport · Pakistan Bureau
PCB clears Rizwan to resume domestic cricket as investigation continues
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan has been granted permission to play domestic cricket while facing an ongoing inquiry into allegations of online betting and dressing-room information leaks. The clearance allows him to captain his team in the Presidents Cup first-class tournament.
LSN Pakistan ·
Muhammad Rizwan has received conditional approval from the Pakistan Cricket Board to return to domestic cricket, marking the first significant development in the investigation against the senior batsman. The PCB's domestic department issued clearance for Rizwan to participate in the ongoing Presidents Cup first-class tournament starting October 19, according to confirmation from Muhammad Hafeez, who heads Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) as director and head coach.
Rizwan was suspended from domestic cricket in August following Pakistan's second Test in England. He and teammate Imam-ul-Haq were recalled to face questioning by the National Cyber Crime Cell (NCCA) regarding alleged breaches of dressing-room confidentiality and involvement in online betting activities.
The wicketkeeper is set to lead SNGPL in the fifth round of the Presidents Cup, which commenced this week. While the clearance permits his return to domestic competition, the underlying investigation into the allegations remains active, indicating that the inquiry has not concluded.
The PCB's decision to allow Rizwan's participation in domestic cricket while investigations continue suggests a compartmentalization of disciplinary processes, permitting players to maintain competitive fitness during fact-finding procedures. No timeline has been announced for the completion of the inquiry by the NCCA.