Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been allowed to return to domestic cricket. He will lead Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in the final round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I 2026-27.
SNGPL Director of Cricket Mohammad Hafeez confirmed that Rizwan would join the team from October 19. He received clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) director of domestic cricket.
Why was Rizwan’s return delayed?
Rizwan’s participation in the eight-team first-class tournament was delayed due to an ongoing inquiry into alleged online betting and gambling activities.
Sources said Rizwan joined the SNGPL squad after he was left out of Pakistan’s Test squad for the England tour. He was expected to lead the team in the absence of Shan Masood.
The wicketkeeper-batter also took part in a training session and attended a team meeting. However, the PCB later contacted SNGPL and directed the department to send him back because the inquiry was still ongoing.
Rizwan was informed about the decision by the department’s management and travelled to Lahore.
Sources also said SNGPL was ready to conduct a fitness test on Rizwan before the PCB stepped in. They added that other Pakistani players who returned from England after the Test series had not faced similar tests.
Has Rizwan received clearance for the Nepal Premier League?
Sources in Islamabad said contact between Rizwan and the PCB resumed earlier this week. However, they clarified that he had not contacted the board to seek permission for the President’s Trophy.
Instead, Rizwan had asked the PCB for a no-objection certificate (NOC) to play in the Nepal Premier League. He had reportedly finalised a deal with a team in the tournament.
Meanwhile, SNGPL management contacted Rizwan and asked him to return for the final round of the President’s Trophy.
Rizwan is still waiting for the PCB to respond to his NOC request for the Nepal Premier League, according to reports.
