Muhammad Rizwan receives PCB clearance to play domestic cricket amid ongoing inquiry
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan has received PCB clearance to resume playing domestic cricket amid an ongoing inquiry into betting and information leaks.
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan has received his first reprieve in the ongoing inquiry into allegations of online betting, gambling and the leaking of dressing-room information, with the Pakistan Cricket Board allowing him to resume playing domestic cricket.
Former Pakistan captain Muhammad Hafeez, who is now the director and head coach of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, confirmed that he had received an email from the PCB's domestic department permitting Rizwan to play in the ongoing Presidents Cup first-class tournament from October 19. The fifth round of the tournament began on Monday, with Rizwan set to lead the SNGPL team.
Rizwan and his Pakistan teammate Imam-ul-Haq were barred from playing domestic cricket after being called back from England following the second Test in August and asked to face an inquiry by the National Cyber Crime Cell over alleged leaks of dressing-room information and issues related to online betting and gambling. Rizwan has appeared before the NCCA twice for questioning, but the precise nature of the complaints being investigated remains unclear.
CricHubb Take
Rizwan's return to domestic cricket while the inquiry continues suggests the PCB views the allegations as serious enough to warrant investigation but not severe enough to suspend him from all cricket.