Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq reportedly summoned by NCCIA for mobile phone data probe

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has summoned Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq as part of an investigation involving data obtained from their mobile phones, media reports said on Thursday, citin sources.

According to the reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had taken custody of the players’ mobile phones before handing them over to the relevant authorities. The NCCIA issued call-up notices to Rizwan and Imam on Monday, asking them to appear at its Lahore office on Friday.

The two cricketers will reportedly be asked to unlock their phones, after which investigators will examine data retrieved from the devices.

The reports said the inquiry relates to alleged leaks from the Pakistan team's dressing room during the ongoing Test series against England. A third Pakistani cricketer has also reportedly been summoned in connection with the investigation. The reasons for the PCB taking possession of the players’ phones have not been disclosed, and the cricket board has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

The development follows Pakistan’s heavy defeats in the first two Tests of the series. After the team’s loss at Lord’s, the PCB announced a number of changes, releasing seven players and two coaches from the squad.

The players released were Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Owais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.