The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly taken the phones of some of its men’s cricketers into ‘custody’ during the three-Test series in England. According to 365 News, the board is conducting an ‘investigation’, though it’s not clear into what.
Cricket boards and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have the authority to confiscate a player’s mobile phone, but only in exceptional circumstances, which mostly happens during active anti-corruption investigations. The report didn’t mention any corruption accusations or investigation into such activities.
These ICC-mandated investigations involve extracting data, looking for deleted messages or secret communications with bookies. While the unit cannot physically force a player to surrender
their phone, refusing to cooperate is considered an offense in itself.
Apart from that, players face strict device bans on regular match days to prevent any real-time contact with the outside world. Before entering the designated dressing rooms or dugouts, all players and coaches surrender their personal phones and smart devices. Only a few designated individuals, such as the team doctor or manager, are allowed to keep a device for emergency or logistical purposes.
This comes after Pakistan made a dramatic overhaul to their Test squad on Monday, sending seven players home from England and bringing in seven replacements ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston.
Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar were removed from the touring party, with the former two already back home. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal were called up, while uncapped players Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah were also added.
The changes followed Pakistan’s heavy defeats in the opening two Tests, with England winning by an innings and 103 runs in Leeds and by 194 runs at Lord’s. Pakistan had failed to cross 200 in any of their four innings.
The PCB’s decision also came amid scrutiny of Imam’s calf injury, which the board reportedly suspected could have been faked, prompting an investigation. Rizwan had also reportedly fallen out of favour with the board over his perceived ill-influence within the dressing room.
The upheaval extended beyond the playing squad, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul also sent home. White-ball coach Mike Hesson was subsequently handed charge of the side for the final Test.
