LAHORE: In an unprecedented development, two players from the national cricket side appeared before the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in connection with an investigation into alleged dressing-room leaks during the recent England series.

The cybercrime agency quizzed Imamul Haq and Mohammad Rizwan on Thursday, pursuant to a complaint lodged by the Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakis­tan Cricket Board (PCB).

It is relevant to note that the NCCIA also reports to Mr Naqvi, in his capacity as interior minister.

A few days ago, the PCB announced it had “initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally”.

Imam and Rizwan were among the seven players sent home after the cricket team’s dismal outing in the first two Tests against England.

When approached by Dawn, a PCB spokesperson acknowledged reports regarding an NCCIA probe against certain cricketers, but said the board would not comment while the inquiry is ongoing.

Interior Minister and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi did not respond to a request for comment.

However, a source privy to the development told Dawn that both cricketers appeared at the NCCIA office in Lahore after being summoned through notices, and were quizzed by the team for around four hours.

According to the source, both cricketers said their cellphones were already with the NCCIA and they could carry out a forensic examination of the devices.

Both players have also reportedly requested more time to submit written responses to the investigating agency.

According to the source, the PCB had already handed over both players’ cellphones to NCCIA.

“The inquiry will focus on alleged leaks from the dressing room during the England series,” the source said.

While this is not the first time that cricketers from Pakistan’s national side have come under scrutiny, the fact that an official complaint has been lodged with a law enforcement agency while the series in question is still underway, is quite unprecedented.

For example, following a disastrous tour of Australia in 2009-10 — which included the infamous ball-biting incident — an inquiry committee had recommended action against a number of senior players, including Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, the Akmal brothers, Rana Navedul Hasan and Shoaib Malik.

However, the body that handed down the punishment consisted of former cricketers such as Wasim Bari.

Additionally, in the wake of the match-fixing scandal that emerged during Pakistan’s 2010 tour of England, a dual track approach was adopted, including disciplinary proceedings through an International Cricket Council tribunal, and criminal prosecution under UK law.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2026