Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq are likely to be summoned to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on friday to unlock their mobile phones and help investigators in the current probe into their data related to the ongoing investigation.
It is a major new development regarding the controversies surrounding Imam-ul-Haq and Rizwan.
The NCCIA has sent notices to both players and requested them to be present before the authority.
Rizwan and Imam are expected to give access to their mobile phones to perform a comprehensive forensic analysis of their devices and their data.
The case came to light after reports of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s collection of Rizwan and Imam’s phones after Pakistan’s 194-run loss in the second Test against England at Lord’s.
The players’ phones were reportedly picked up by the team’s security officer while the PCB did not confirm the claims of collection or transfer of mobile data.
The PCB later confirmed that it had instituted an internal disciplinary investigation to look into the conduct of players.
The board, however, did not provide public details of the person or persons under investigation.
The controversy emerged after Pakistan lost two test matches against England.
The PCB released seven players from the Test squad, including Rizwan and Imam and also changed the coaching staff after the Lord’s loss.
Imam’s injury to his calf during the Lord’s test had already been highlighted, and it was reported that he did not play in either innings; therefore, an inquiry into the matter was called for.
The NCCIA is now apparently looking at their mobile phones, and the investigation could throw more light on the reports regarding the two cricketers.
The agency has specialised mobile and digital forensic capabilities for examining electronic data.
So far, no official finding or charge has been made against either Rizwan or Imam.