Lahore Court Dismisses Rizwan's Petition Against Betting Probe

The Lahore High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan challenging the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency's (NCCIA) investigation into online betting and gambling. The court's decision, handed down on Thursday, September 17, 2026, means the NCCIA probe into the cricketer can proceed. Rizwan's petition argued that the NCCIA lacked jurisdiction over the matter and that the agency had not specified the allegations against him. The court directed Rizwan to approach the agency, explain his position, and respond to its notices. It remains unclear if he will appeal the decision. The investigation stems from events following Pakistan's Test series defeat in England. According to the petition, Rizwan was summoned to a hotel lobby at 1:00 AM after the Lord's Test defeat, where he was questioned by an officer and his mobile phone was confiscated. The petition stated he was assured the phone would be returned within three hours, but it has not been handed back. The NCCIA's inquiry has expanded from initial reports of disciplinary issues and dressing room leaks to include allegations of online betting and gambling.