Rizwan Set for Domestic Return as SNGPL Face KRL in President’s Trophy
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan is set for a Rizwan domestic cricket return on Monday, with the wicketkeeper-batsman expected to lead Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited against Khan Research Laboratories in the President’s Trophy Grade-I at Rawalpindi’s Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium.
Sources say the Pakistan Cricket Board has cleared Rizwan to feature in domestic cricket, though an SNGPL team source said final confirmation would come on Monday. PCB officials stayed tight-lipped when approached.
Rizwan domestic cricket return after NCCIA probe
Rizwan’s comeback follows a turbulent stretch. He was initially barred from first-class cricket, alongside fellow batter Imam-ul-Haq, while the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency investigated alleged online betting links. The wicketkeeper challenged the proceedings in the Lahore High Court, which dismissed his petition but advised him to cooperate with the NCCIA and directed the agency not to harass the cricketer.
Feature Pakistan earlier reported that Rizwan had received a second NCCIA notice in the case, which kept his playing status in limbo through the start of the domestic season.
The possible return comes as the domestic first-class season enters its final stages. If confirmed, Rizwan would walk straight into a relegation fight: SNGPL sit at the bottom of the table and are on the brink of going down.
In top shape despite the layoff
Those close to the player insist the layoff has not dulled him. Despite the uncertainty around his career, Rizwan kept training regularly in Peshawar through the entire episode.
“He is in top shape. He never stopped training and regularly went to the ground twice a day for practice,” a source close to Rizwan said. “I think he has been allowed by the PCB to play domestic cricket, and he will be heading towards Rawalpindi to feature in the match,” the source added.
Rizwan was among seven players sent home following Pakistan’s heavy defeat against England at Lord’s, a tour after which the NCCIA probe began. His domestic return would be his first competitive cricket since that episode.
Why SNGPL need him
SNGPL’s season has been poor, and a player of Rizwan’s calibre changes the arithmetic at the bottom of the table. His experience as a former national captain, his wicketkeeping, and his record of scoring under pressure are exactly what a side fighting relegation lacks.
The President’s Trophy remains Pakistan’s premier first-class competition, and performances there still shape national selection conversations. A strong finish to the season would also strengthen Rizwan’s own case at a time when his international future is under discussion.
For now, everything hinges on Monday’s confirmation. But if the PCB clearance holds, Rawalpindi will see one of Pakistan’s biggest names back in whites, fighting not for a trophy but for survival.
FAQ
When is Rizwan returning to domestic cricket?
He is expected to play on Monday, October 19, for SNGPL against KRL in the President’s Trophy Grade-I at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, subject to final confirmation.
Why was Rizwan barred from domestic cricket?
He and Imam-ul-Haq were initially not permitted to play first-class cricket while the NCCIA investigated alleged online betting links. The PCB has now reportedly cleared him.
What did the Lahore High Court decide?
The court dismissed Rizwan’s petition against the NCCIA proceedings, advised him to cooperate with the investigation, and directed the agency not to harass him.
Where do SNGPL stand in the table?
They are bottom of the President’s Trophy standings and face relegation, which makes Rizwan’s expected return as captain significant.
