Mohammad Rizwan: A very big news is coming out from Pakistan cricket. Pakistan Cricket Board has given permission to star wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan to return to domestic cricket. Rizwan, who is facing serious charges of betting and leaking confidential dressing room information, has got interim relief from PCB. He will be seen playing in the prestigious domestic first-class tournament 'President's Cup' starting from 19 October 2026. The surprising thing is that Rizwan has not only got the green signal to play, but he will also assume the role of captain of his team SNGPL.
Why is investigation going on for fixing on Rizwan?
Pakistan's star cricketer Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq were recently embroiled in a big controversy. Both these players have been accused of being involved in suspicious activities related to online betting and match fixing. Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency is investigating this matter closely. The mobile phones of both the players have been seized and their financial transactions are being forensically investigated. Due to this investigation, Rizwan was called back to Pakistan midway through his England tour in August.
🚨 MUHAMMAD RIZWAN IS BACK! 🇵🇰
– Muhammad Rizwan is all set to make his comeback into the cricket field with his comeback to begin through domestic circuit.
– Muhammad Rizwan is also expected to play the Nepal Premier League. pic.twitter.com/xS96Nwcqno
— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) October 17, 2026
SNGPL team head coach Mohammad Hafeez confirmed
Amidst all the controversies and investigations, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) head coach and former Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has confirmed Rizwan's return to the team. Hafeez clarified that after getting approval from the domestic cricket department of PCB, Rizwan has been included in the team for the final round of President's Trophy. He will not only take the field on behalf of the team, but will also take the responsibility of captaincy.
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Got permission to play cricket, but not clean chit
It is important for fans and media to understand that Mohammad Rizwan has only got interim relief to play domestic cricket, he has not been given a clean chit from the allegations. According to Pakistan Cricket Board sources, the cyber crime wing of NCCIA will continue to investigate these allegations in the background. If any concrete evidence related to betting or fixing is found in the investigation, then Rizwan may once again face the threat of a ban. At present, the team management believes that instead of staying away from the field, Rizwan playing cricket would be better for his form.
🚨 MOHAMMAD RIZWAN TO LEAD SNGPL! 🇵🇰
Mohammad Rizwan will captain SNGPL in their President's Trophy match against KRL, starting October 19 at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. https://t.co/6AfnebwZ0Gpic.twitter.com/yn3ke7uPqS
— Mian Ahmad (@MianAhmad_56) October 17, 2026
Big upset again in Pakistan cricket
Mohammad Rizwan has been one of Pakistan's most consistent players. In such a situation, his return to the field amidst serious allegations like fixing and suddenly being made the captain also raises many questions on the administrative methods of Pakistan cricket. Now all the cricket fans' eyes are on the President's Trophy match starting from October 19, where Rizwan will try to answer these controversies with his bat and captaincy.
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