Rizwan set for domestic cricket return

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan is set to return to domestic cricket on Monday, potentially leading Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in the President’s Trophy Grade-I show at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

Sources said Rizwan has been allowed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to feature in domestic cricket. However, an SNGPL team source told this correspondent that it would be known on Monday.

The PCB officials also remained tight-lipped over the issue when this correspondent approached.

Rizwan, who has been facing an investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), was initially not permitted to play first-class cricket, alongside fellow batsman Imam-ul-Haq. His possible return comes as the domestic first-class season approaches its final stages.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his career in the wake of the NCCIA probe the wicket-keeper batsman has continued training regularly in Peshawar and is in excellent physical condition.

“He is in top shape. He never stopped training and regularly went to the ground twice a day for practice,” a source close to Rizwan told this correspondent.

“I think he has been allowed by the PCB to play domestic cricket, and he will be heading towards Rawalpindi to feature in the match,” the source added.

Rizwan was among seven players sent home following Pakistan’s heavy defeat against England at Lord’s. 

And latter NCCIA initiated a probe against him for his alleged involvement in online betting.

Rizwan subsequently challenged the proceedings in the Lahore High Court (LHC), which dismissed his petition and advised him to cooperate with the NCCIA. The court also directed the NCCIA not to harass the cricketer.

Rizwan is expected to lead SNGPL against KRL if his availability is confirmed. SNGPL are at the bottom of the table and on the brink of relegation.