PCB Bars Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq from Domestic Cricket Amid NCCIA Probe

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan and opening batter Imam-ul-Haq have reportedly been barred from participating in domestic cricket, with sources saying the two cricketers will not be able to feature in the upcoming President’s Trophy Grade-I.

According to reports, the development comes amid an ongoing investigation involving the two players by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

Rizwan and Imam were recently summoned by the NCCIA in connection with an inquiry reportedly linked to information and data obtained from their mobile phones. Both players appeared before the agency in Lahore and were asked to provide responses to questions related to the investigation.

Sources said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a decision that prevents the two senior cricketers from participating in the President’s Trophy Grade-I, which is scheduled to begin on September 12.

The development follows a turbulent period for both players during Pakistan’s ongoing Test tour of England. Rizwan and Imam were among seven players sent back to Pakistan following Pakistan’s heavy defeats in the first two Tests of the series.

The PCB has also initiated an internal inquiry into matters concerning player discipline and conduct during the England tour. The board has said that the inquiry is being conducted under its regulations, although it has not publicly disclosed the specific allegations or named the players involved in that internal investigation.

Meanwhile, the NCCIA investigation has added another dimension to the controversy surrounding the two senior players. Reports have said that their mobile phones were handed over to the cybercrime agency and that digital data is being examined as part of the inquiry.

The President’s Trophy Grade-I is the first red-ball tournament of Pakistan’s 2026-27 domestic season and is scheduled to commence on September 12.

While reports of Rizwan and Imam’s exclusion from the tournament have emerged, the precise official basis for their ineligibility has not been fully disclosed by the PCB. Some reports have separately cited the absence of the required fitness reports under PCB rules as a reason for their inability to participate.

The latest development is expected to increase scrutiny on the two experienced Pakistan internationals as the PCB continues its inquiries following the team’s disappointing England tour.