Who Stopped Mohammad Rizwan from Going to the Mosque?

A claim circulating about Mohammad Rizwan has added a religious angle to the controversy surrounding the Pakistan cricketer. The claim alleges that Rizwan went to a mosque for Friday prayers during Pakistan’s England tour despite team instructions.

However, neither the Pakistan Cricket Board nor Rizwan has publicly confirmed that the incident happened or that it led to disciplinary action.

What Is Known About the Mosque Claim?

The claim circulating online says Pakistan team management had instructed players not to leave their hotel before the second Test against England at Lord’s. It alleges that Rizwan left the hotel to attend Friday prayers.

The claim further says Rizwan explained that he normally offered his other prayers in his room and had left only for Friday prayers.

However, there is no official statement confirming these details. The claim also differs from another version alleging that a Muslim player from the West Indies took Rizwan and other Pakistani players to a mosque for Asr prayers. Available records do not establish that version either.

Pakistan played its second Test against England at Lord’s from August 27 to 31.

PCB Confirms Disciplinary Inquiry

The PCB confirmed on September 7 that it had started an internal disciplinary inquiry following reports about “discipline and conduct.” The board did not publicly identify the specific conduct under investigation.

Rizwan and six other players were later released from the Test squad after the Lord’s match. The PCB’s official announcement did not give a disciplinary reason for Rizwan’s release.

The England tour ended with Pakistan losing all three Tests. Rizwan played the first two matches and scored 61 runs in four innings.

Rizwan Faces Separate NCCIA Inquiry

Rizwan is also facing a separate inquiry by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency over allegations involving online betting, gambling and the possible leaking of team information.

The NCCIA seized his mobile phone in England on August 30. Rizwan later challenged the proceedings in the Lahore High Court. The court allowed the agency to continue its inquiry while directing it not to harass or unnecessarily inconvenience him.

Rizwan appeared before the NCCIA in Lahore on October 2 and underwent more than three hours of questioning. Neither he nor the agency publicly disclosed details of the session.

The mosque claim and the NCCIA inquiry should therefore be treated as separate matters unless an official source establishes a connection.

At present, the key question remains unanswered: Was Rizwan actually stopped from attending prayers, and if so, was the decision based on a professional obligation or a team instruction?

The PCB has not publicly provided an answer to that question. Until it does, the mosque allegation remains unverified.