Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been granted permission to resume domestic cricket and will captain Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in the final round of the President's Trophy Grade-I 2026-27. SNGPL Director Cricket Mohammad Hafeez confirmed that Rizwan will represent the department from October 19 after receiving clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director Domestic Cricket.
Rizwan's participation in the premier eight-team first-class tournament had been delayed due to an ongoing inquiry related to alleged online betting and gambling activities. His absence from the departmental side was linked to the inquiry rather than fitness concerns.
According to sources, Rizwan had earlier joined the SNGPL squad after his mid-series omission from Pakistan's Test squad for the England tour. He was expected to lead the side in the absence of Shan Masood.
The 34-year-old is understood to have taken part in SNGPL's training session before the PCB contacted the department and instructed it to send him back, citing the ongoing inquiry. Sources further claimed that SNGPL had been prepared to conduct a fitness assessment for Rizwan before the board's intervention.
Meanwhile, sources in Islamabad indicated that communication between Rizwan and the PCB resumed earlier this week, though the batter had primarily contacted the board to obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the Nepal Premier League. Rizwan is still awaiting the board's response regarding his NOC request, as the PCB is reluctant to grant clearance for overseas leagues while domestic competitions are underway.
The return of the senior player is expected to bolster the SNGPL lineup significantly in the crucial final round encounter. Cricket analysts believe that his presence will bring much-needed stability and tactical leadership to the dressing room.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has maintained a strict stance on disciplinary matters and player clearances this season. Officials emphasized that all players must adhere to the established protocols and wait for formal clearance before participating in any competitive fixtures.
Fans and supporters of the national team have expressed relief over the resolution of the matter. Rizwan remains a central figure in Pakistan's cricketing landscape across all formats of the game.
The upcoming match between SNGPL and KRL is scheduled to begin this weekend, with both teams finalizing their tactical approaches and preparations for the high-stakes encounter.