Pakistan captain Babar Azam and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi (Agency Image)
Pakistan ’s troubled England tour has taken another unexpected turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board reportedly taking mobile phones belonging to members of the national team into its custody ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston. The PCB could also have separate powers arising from player contracts, team regulations or internal disciplinary procedures. However, the board has not publicly cited any such provision as the reason for the latest move. After heavy defeats in the opening two Tests, the PCB overhauled the squad mid-series. Seven players were sent back to Pakistan, and the coaching staff was reshuffled ahead of the Edgbaston finale. Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has been replaced by Mike Hesson, who will oversee Pakistan in the third and final Test.
The players’ devices have been handed over to the PCB and will remain with the board until the conclusion of the final Test, according to Pakistani 365 News. The report did not reveal the identities of the players whose phones were taken, while the PCB has not publicly stated why the devices were placed in its custody. Under the ICC’s Player and Match Officials Area regulations, players and support staff are not permitted to possess or use mobile phones or other communication devices inside restricted areas, including dressing rooms, during an international match. However, those match-day restrictions are separate from a situation in which a player’s personal phone is retained for an extended period. There has been no confirmation that the PCB’s action in England is connected to an integrity investigation involving corruption, betting or match-fixing. No player has been publicly accused of an integrity offence either.