Mohammad Rizwan appointed SNGPL captain for final President's Trophy round

The Appointment: Mohammad Rizwan will captain Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) for the seventh and final round of the first-class President's Trophy starting on Monday, October 19.

First Appearance: This marks his debut in the tournament this season. He was previously barred from participating—officially due to missing a pre-season fitness test, though it later emerged that permission was withheld because of an ongoing cybercrimes agency investigation.

Team Context: SNGPL, last year's finalists, are currently at the bottom of the eight-team table with five draws and one defeat from six matches. They face third-placed Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) at the Shoaib Akhtar Stadium in Rawalpindi, with Rizwan's return providing a crucial boost as they fight to avoid relegation.

NCCIA Investigation & Legal Context

The Investigation: Rizwan, along with fellow cricketer Imam-ul-Haq, has been summoned twice by Pakistan's cybercrimes agency (NCCIA) regarding an inquiry into online betting and gambling in Pakistan cricket. Imam's mobile phone remains in custody and his PCB clearance has not been greenlighted, while Imam has remained quiet on the matter.

Legal Action: Following his first appearance at the NCCIA's Lahore office in August, Rizwan moved the Lahore High Court to contest the nature of the investigation and demand the return of his mobile phone, though his petition was dismissed. He also wrote to the agency prior to an October appearance demanding an explanation for the probe.

Upcoming Schedule

Beyond the President's Trophy round, Rizwan is also set to play for Peshawar in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy next month.