NCCIA questions Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq over alleged dressing room leak

The third Test between England and Pakistan is under way, now in its third day. Pakistan's second innings have lost 2 wickets. Pakistan's first innings had earlier been bowled out for just 133 runs, in reply to which England scored 453, setting Pakistan a big target.

Off the field, meanwhile, the Pakistan cricket team and its board have become caught up in a major controversy. Pakistan have suffered humiliating defeats in both the first two matches of the ongoing three-match Test series against England.

Ahead of the third and final Test, key players including experienced batter Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq have been recalled from the team. However, the reason being cited is not just poor performance -- both players also face serious allegations of leaking confidential dressing room information.

Rizwan and Imam's troubles have deepened after their return home from the England tour. Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, NCCIA, issued summons to both players and called them in for questioning. It is alleged that the two leaked confidential dressing room information and the team's strategy. As a result, both players had to appear before the NCCIA and face questioning.

Following the successive defeats in the series, the Pakistan Cricket Board, PCB, has begun an in-depth review of the entire tour. With the team's poor form on one hand and the ongoing serious investigation by the national investigation agency on the other, the international careers of both Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq now appear to be at serious risk.

Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq are accused of leaking dressing room strategy and information obtained there. The investigating agency questioned both players for around four hours. In addition, the agency has also seized their phones, and their data, chats and call records will be closely examined.