The dressing room leaks that shadowed Pakistan's humiliating 0-3 Test drubbing against England are reaching a reckoning.
Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi cleared the air in Lahore on Thursday, confirming that federal investigators have nearly wrapped up their inquiry into star wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency will deliver its formal report within days once agents collect final points of clarification from Rizwan.
Both players have been permitted to turn out in domestic cricket despite the probe hanging over their heads. But the cloud remains heavy over the national setup.
Crisis erupted across Pakistan cricket after confidential tactical talks and sensitive dressing room exchanges spilled into public view during the England tour. The whitewash on home turf had already shattered team morale. Then came the accusations that internal operational details had slipped past the squad perimeter, triggering an immediate cyber security intervention.
Speaking candidly to reporters in Lahore, Naqvi made no effort to mask the ongoing scrutiny.
I have spoken to the NCCIA and they just need more clarity from Rizwan after which they will submit their findings in a few days' time although I can't give an exact deadline.
Yet Naqvi stopped short of sidelining either senior cricketer. Domestic cricket remains open to both men while the agency finishes its paperwork, avoiding a sudden rupture in player availability before the formal brief lands on the chairman's desk.
Beyond the disciplinary turmoil, administrative deadlock has gripped the boardroom. Pakistan's central contracts expired on July 31. The board pushed back the fresh allocation window by three straight months, leaving national stars waiting in financial limbo.
Naqvi pushed back against claims of prolonged paralysis, insisting signatures are imminent.
I think they are finalised or would be finalised by tomorrow.
| Key PCB Administrative and Disciplinary Fronts | Official Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NCCIA Leaks Investigation | Final Stages | Inquiring into Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq following 0-3 England Test loss |
| Central Player Contracts | 3 Months Overdue | Expired July 31; board clearance scheduled within 24 to 48 hours |
| PSL Franchise Ownership | Under Review | Long-term profitability pushed amid Multan Sultans and new franchise sales |
Naqvi also fired back at mounting questions regarding cash crunches inside the Pakistan Super League. Rumblings over the tournament's commercial margins intensified after recent franchise valuation disputes, but the board boss pointed straight to the high valuations recorded during the sale of Multan Sultans and incoming team licenses.
Sustained sports investing requires patience, not rapid cash-outs, Naqvi argued.
"Whatever the owners of these new franchise know, they can't expect to make profits after a year or two and they must have done their feasibility report before joining the PSL," he said, warning disgruntled owners that anyone seeking an early exit must follow strict league sale protocols.
Naqvi backed his management team to weather the storm, predicting that an influx of younger talent will turn match results around over the coming six months. The immediate focus now shifts to the NCCIA dossier, which will decide whether disciplinary action follows before the winter fixtures take flight.