Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq cleared for domestic cricket as Pakistan probe nears end

Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq have been cleared to play domestic cricket as the NCCIA investigation into alleged dressing-room leaks nears its end. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi expects the agency to submit its findings in the coming days.Mohammad Rizwan (L) and Imam-ul-Haq (R) have been cleared to play domestic cricket. (Image: Getty)New Delhi,Nov 12, 2026 18:14 ISTPakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq have been cleared to play domestic cricket even as the investigation into alleged dressing-room leaks during the England tour approaches its conclusion.The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) is investigating the two Pakistan players following the team's 0-3 Test series defeat against England. The inquiry centres on allegations that confidential information and internal matters from the dressing room were leaked during the tour.Speaking to the media in Lahore on Thursday, Naqvi confirmed that both players had been given the go-ahead to feature in domestic cricket despite the ongoing investigation. He also indicated that the agency was close to completing its inquiry, although it needed further clarification from Rizwan before submitting its findings."I have spoken to the NCCIA and they just need more clarity from Rizwan, after which they will submit their findings in a few days' time, although I can't give an exact deadline," Naqvi said as quoted by PTI. The PCB chairman's comments suggest that the investigation could reach a conclusion in the coming days. However, he stopped short of providing a fixed timeline for the report.CENTRAL CONTRACTS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOONNaqvi also addressed the delay in announcing Pakistan's central contracts, saying the process was close to completion and that the list would be made public soon. "I think they are finalised or would be finalised by tomorrow," he added.The PCB has delayed the announcement of its latest central contracts by around three months. The previous contracts expired on July 31, leaving players waiting for clarity on their revised terms.NAQVI ADDRESSES PSL FINANCESNaqvi was also asked about reports of financial constraints surrounding the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In response, he pointed to the amounts paid for the league's new franchises and the sale of Multan Sultans, arguing that franchise owners should have realistic expectations about returns on their investments."Whatever the owners of these new franchises know, they can't expect to make profits after a year or two, and they must have done their feasibility report before joining the PSL," he said.The PCB chairman added that owners who wanted to sell their franchises at a profit were free to do so, provided they followed the league's rules and regulations.NAQVI BACKS PAKISTAN'S CRICKET SET-UPNaqvi also expressed confidence in the direction of Pakistan cricket, saying he trusted his team to manage cricketing matters and expected better results once the next group of young players was ready."I am there to back them all the time, and we are expecting much better results when the next batch of young players are ready in the next six months," he said.- Ends