ISLAMABAD – The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Anti-Corruption Wing on Wednesday arrested two suspects in connection with an international cricket gambling network. The arrests were made in the federal capital after an investigation revealed widespread betting activities involving foreign players.
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The accused have been identified as Zahid Ali and Mujibur Rahman. The FIA has registered two separate cases against them, highlighting the international scope of their alleged operations.
According to the FIR, Zahid Ali is a Sindh Police official, former professional cricketer, and umpire who played cricket until 2021. He is accused of running online cricket betting networks and maintaining contacts with women cricketers in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ghana, and other African nations. Ali reportedly operated through a WhatsApp group called “World Cricket Law” and is also implicated in money laundering.
The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Anti-Corruption Wing in Islamabad detained two men on Wednesday for allegedly operating an international cricket betting ring.
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Mujibur Rahman, the second suspect, allegedly maintained connections with gamblers in India, the UAE, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. He reportedly had links with a franchise owner during the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) and received a notice from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Investigators said Rahman was also involved in human trafficking related to cricket betting activities.
The FIA stated that critical evidence, including data from the suspects’ mobile phones, has been recovered. Both suspects are also accused of preparing forged educational documents as part of their operations.
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Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and may uncover additional international connections. The FIA warned that such networks undermine the integrity of cricket and pose a threat to fair sportsmanship globally.