Imam, Rizwan return to domestic cricket after PCB clearance

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan have returned to domestic cricket after receiving clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), with both players leading their respective teams in the final round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I, which began on Monday.

Imam is captaining Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) against Ghani Glass in Lahore, while Rizwan is leading Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in their fixture against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL).

Both players came out for the toss as captains, confirming their participation in the seventh round of the first-class tournament after missing its opening rounds.

Why are Imam and Rizwan returning to domestic cricket now?

The return of the two experienced players follows their release from Pakistan’s Test squad after the team’s 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s in August.

Imam and Rizwan were among seven players withdrawn from the squad ahead of the third and final Test, which Pakistan lost as England completed a 3-0 series sweep.

What happened in Imam’s case?

Imam’s situation attracted attention after he sustained a low-grade strain in his left calf while fielding on the opening day of the Lord’s Test.

The opener did not bat in either innings of the match, prompting questions about the extent of his injury and his fitness to return to competitive cricket.

Why was Rizwan’s participation under scrutiny?

Rizwan’s absence from domestic cricket was reportedly linked to an inquiry into alleged online betting and gambling activities rather than solely to fitness concerns.

The wicketkeeper-batter and Imam were among the Pakistan players whose mobile phones were reportedly confiscated during an investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) following the team’s disappointing Test tour of England.

Rizwan was summoned by the agency in Lahore on October 2 and questioned for more than three hours. Reports also linked the inquiry to allegations under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

However, the allegations remain subject to the relevant investigative process. The PCB has not publicly provided a detailed explanation of Rizwan’s latest clearance. His availability for SNGPL’s match against KRL nevertheless confirms that he is permitted to resume domestic cricket.