Mohammad Rizwan Cleared to Return to Domestic Cricket While Investigation Continues

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been given permission to return to domestic cricket even though an investigation into allegations of online betting, gambling and leaking confidential dressing-room information is still ongoing. With clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he is expected to play in the fifth round of the President's Cup starting on 19 October.

The matter was confirmed by former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, now a director and head coach of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL). According to him, the PCB's domestic cricket department sent an email permitting Rizwan to play domestic cricket. Rizwan is also expected to lead SNGPL in the tournament.

Earlier, in the interest of the investigation, Rizwan and fellow batter Imam-ul-Haq had been kept out of domestic cricket. They were sent home after the second Test of the England tour last August. The National Cyber Crime Agency (NCCA) then summoned them for questioning over online betting and gambling allegations and the leaking of team dressing-room information.

As part of the investigation, the two cricketers' mobile phones were also seized. Security personnel travelling with the Pakistan team seized the phones during the second Test at Lord's. The phones are currently in NCCA custody for forensic examination, it is understood.

Rizwan has already faced questioning by the investigating agency in two rounds. However, no clear information has yet emerged on exactly what allegations the investigation is based on.

While there has been little public discussion about Imam-ul-Haq, Rizwan's position in the investigation has been widely discussed recently. According to Pakistani media, after Rizwan's latest round of questioning with the NCCA in Lahore on 10 October, the situation eased considerably. They also reported that the investigation could end soon.

Despite being allowed back into domestic cricket, there is no confirmed information about a formal conclusion to the investigation or Rizwan being cleared of the allegations. So while he gets the chance to return to the field, the cricket world will keep watching the investigation's progress.

Rizwan has so far played 47 Tests, 103 one-day internationals and 106 T20 internationals for Pakistan. The experienced cricketer had been out of competitive cricket since the second Test against England at Lord's.

The PCB's decision gives him the opportunity to return to the field after a long break. The responsibility of leading SNGPL in the President's Cup may also fall on his shoulders, making the stage for his return all the more significant.

It remains to be seen how Rizwan performs on his return and which way the investigation ultimately turns. Both matters will stay at the centre of discussion in Pakistan cricket in the coming days.