Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Thursday that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) was close to completing its investigation into cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, while new central contracts for national players would be announced shortly.
Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Naqvi said he had discussed the matter with NCCIA officials, who had sought additional clarification from Rizwan before finalising their findings.
He said the investigation was expected to conclude within the next few days but declined to provide a specific date.
The PCB chairman confirmed that both Rizwan and Imam had been permitted to resume domestic cricket despite the inquiry remaining underway.
The two players came under investigation following allegations that confidential team information and dressing-room matters had been leaked during Pakistan’s 3-0 Test series defeat in England.
No findings of wrongdoing have been announced against either player.
Turning to the issue of central contracts, Naqvi said the new agreements had either been finalised or would be completed by the following day, with an official announcement expected soon.
The contracts have been delayed by approximately three months, as the previous agreements expired on July 31.
Responding to questions about the financial sustainability of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Naqvi referred to the substantial investments made in newly introduced franchises and Multan Sultans.
He said franchise owners should not expect to recover their investments or generate profits within the first year or two of operations, stressing that investors should have conducted proper feasibility studies before committing large sums to the league.
Naqvi added that franchise owners wishing to sell their teams at a profit were free to do so, provided they complied with the relevant rules and regulations.
The PCB chairman was also questioned about Pakistan’s selection policies, particularly the practice of handing Test debuts to numerous players before dropping some after only a limited number of appearances.
He expressed satisfaction with the overall direction of Pakistan cricket and reaffirmed his confidence in the management team responsible for running the sport.
Naqvi assured cricket administrators of his continued support and expressed optimism that the national team’s performances would improve as a new generation of young players developed over the next six months.
He also announced plans to renovate the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, with January 31, 2027, set as the deadline for completing the project.
According to Naqvi, the upgraded academy will have the capacity to accommodate more players and provide expanded training facilities.