PCB Permits Rizwan, Imam to Play in President’s Trophy

News Desk

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted permission for former captain Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imamul Haq to participate in the sixth round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I first-class tournament, which begins on Monday.

This decision comes despite ongoing investigations into their alleged involvement in betting and gambling activities.

Rizwan, who plays for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), and Imam, representing the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), were previously under scrutiny by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) following Pakistan’s defeat in the second Test against England earlier this year.

Their mobile phones were confiscated as part of the investigation, which also led to the withdrawal of five other players from the squad before the final Test, which Pakistan lost 3-0.

The allegations against Rizwan and Imam reportedly fall under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), raising concerns about the integrity of cricket in Pakistan.

The PCB’s decision to allow them to play may be seen as an attempt to balance the need for accountability with the necessity of maintaining competitive teams in domestic cricket.

As the tournament progresses, the PCB and NCCIA are expected to continue their investigations, with potential implications for the players’ futures in the sport.

Fans and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds, particularly in light of the growing scrutiny on player conduct and the integrity of the game.