Shoaib Akhtar, former cricketers question inquiry against Mohammad Rizwan

Former cricketers have criticised the way an inquiry against Mohammad Rizwan is being handled, questioning the absence of concrete evidence and a formal written charge against the former Pakistan captain.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said that targeting Rizwan without concrete evidence amounted to making him a “scapegoat”. Former Test cricketer Mohsin Khan said that unproven allegations of match-fixing and gambling could damage a player’s reputation.

Former Pakistan cricketer Junaid Khan also expressed concern, saying Rizwan had not so far been given any written allegation or formal charge. He said Rizwan had to cancel his scheduled trip for Umrah because of the inquiry.

The criticism comes as no specific legal or contractual violation allegedly committed by Rizwan has so far been publicly identified.

Recently, Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) not to harass cricketer Mohammad Rizwan during an inquiry against him.

The court has also directed the Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman to appear before the agency and cooperate with the inquiry.

The directions were issued in a written order related to a Sept 17 hearing on Rizwan’s petition challenging the NCCIA inquiry and a notice requiring him to appear before the agency. The order said the petition had been dismissed.