From Abid Usman
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday dismissed Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan’s petition challenging notices issued to him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition, with Rizwan’s lawyer Qazi Umair Ali appearing before the court. The lawyer argued that the allegations against Rizwan were false and baseless, telling the court that the cricketer was called to a hotel lobby after the Lord’s Test and questioned without being served a notice.
He said Rizwan’s mobile phone was taken into custody during the process after he was assured it would be returned within three hours.
Ali told the court that the phone had still not been returned, arguing that the delay reflected bad faith. He further contended that the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit was the appropriate forum for dealing with corruption-related allegations against cricketers.
However, no matter concerning Rizwan had been referred to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit, Ali said.
During the hearing, Justice Neelum expressed displeasure with the lawyer for failing to bring the case file to court.
She observed that Rizwan had been called by the NCCIA on September 10 and had complied with the summons.
“You were called on September 10 and you complied with it. What brings you to court now?” Justice Neelum asked.
She directed Ali to go to the agency, explain his position there and submit a response to the notices.
“Go there, tell them and respond to the notice,” Justice Neelum said.
The court subsequently dismissed Rizwan’s petition.
