England tour fallout: Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq questioned by Pakistan Cyber Crime Agency

Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore. Both players had been ranked in

after Pakistan were beaten in the second Test at Lord’s. Shortly after their return, the pair were summoned to the NCCIA, where they later appeared before the agency, with at least one of them believed to have spent several hours there.

The cause of the interrogation, it should be noted, is unknown. There was also no indication if the proceedings were connected to a separate inquiry launched by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following media reports about discipline and conduct.

Earlier this week, PCB announced it had initiated an internal disciplinary investigation, saying the matter was being reviewed under its rules. According to reports, at least one player interviewed by the NCCIA has been asked to fill out a questionnaire and return it next week.

This follows the squad overhaul that Pakistan made for the England series. Seven players, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were dropped from the group after the Lord's defeat. Seven replacements were then sent to England, including five who had not played international cricket before.

Rizwan’s batting too had come under the scanner during the tour. He scored 12, 41, 7 and 1 followed by his modest returns in Pakistan’s two Tests in the Caribbean. But he stayed well up to the stumps and his dismissal for one at Lord’s was much criticized.

The case of the Imam was different. He suffered a grade-1 tear in his left calf after the opening day at Lord’s and did not bat or field in the game. PCB chief selector and high-performance director Aaqib Javed publicly questioned his fitness, saying an inquiry could be held.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had earlier indicated changes in the squad for reasons other than performances. PCB had also asked for justification from selectors on Rizwan and Imam’s selection for the Caribbean and England tours. They were given 24 hours to reply. However, one of the selectors, Misbah-ul-Haq, resigned following the squad changes.