LAHORE: Lahore High Court Chief Justice Alia Neelum has declined to hear a petition filed by Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan challenging an inquiry initiated against him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

Rizwan’s lawyer, Qazi Umair Ali, appeared before the court on Thursday and argued that the cricketer had been unlawfully summoned through a notice issued by the NCCIA on September 8.

Rizwan and fellow cricketer Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the agency on September 10 after receiving the notices. Rizwan subsequently approached the Lahore High Court, challenging both the inquiry and the notice issued to him.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Alia Neelum directed Rizwan’s counsel to first submit a written response to the NCCIA notice.

The court told the lawyer to respond to the agency’s notice before seeking further relief, and the petition was not entertained at this stage.

Speaking to the media outside the courtroom later, Rizwan’s lawyer said that a response to the agency had already been submitted.

In his petition, Rizwan questioned the legal basis of the NCCIA notice and the inquiry against him. The agency had directed him to appear in connection with allegations relating to online betting or gambling associated with Pakistan cricket.

The cricketer’s petition argued that the notice was vague and arbitrary and had been issued without proper legal jurisdiction.

It further claimed that online betting was not listed as a scheduled offence under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, or amendments introduced to the law in 2025. The petition described the investigation as a “fishing and roving expedition” and alleged that it could affect Rizwan’s reputation.

Rizwan also expressed concern about possible coercive action, including arrest or detention. He asked the court to set aside the NCCIA notice, terminate the inquiry and prevent authorities from taking adverse action against him.

The NCCIA investigation followed a complaint submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during Pakistan’s recent Test series against England.

The inquiry was reportedly linked to allegations concerning leaks from the dressing room during the series, which Pakistan lost 3-0.

The PCB had also announced on September 7 that it had launched an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports involving issues of discipline and conduct.

On September 11, Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan were barred from participating in the President’s Trophy Grade-I domestic first-class tournament.

Both players were also among seven cricketers sent back to Pakistan after the national team lost the first two Tests against England, giving England an unassailable lead in the three-match series.