The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly widened its internal disciplinary inquiry into the national team’s ongoing England tour, with Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan reportedly coming under deeper scrutiny following Pakistan’s heavy defeat in the first two Tests of the series.
According to reports from Pakistani media, the inquiry has allegedly been widened to examine the activities, communications and contacts of both players during their stay in London, after they were sent home in the middle of the series. The reports claim that Imam and Rizwan’s mobile phones were taken into possession by the team’s security officer after Pakistan’s 194-run defeat at Lord’s and retained for several hours.
The data from the devices was transferred elsewhere
before the phones were returned to the players. Investigators are reportedly examining the players’ activities as well as people they may have been in contact with during their time in London.
However, the PCB has not confirmed these specific claims. Amir Mir, adviser to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, confirmed on Monday that the board had initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct on the England tour.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally,” Mir said on X. “The PCB handles such matters in accordance with its standard procedures. The process is being conducted under PCB regulations, ensuring that all concerned individuals are given due consideration. At this stage, any speculative reports or unverified claims circulating on certain platforms, particularly those originating from hostile external sources, should not be regarded as credible. The PCB will not comment further at this time. The Board advises stakeholders and the public to rely on official PCB communications.”
The reports have claimed that if the internal inquiry establishes concrete evidence of wrongdoing, those involved could face disciplinary action, including heavy fines or bans. The possibility of players being excluded from future Pakistan squads has also reportedly not been ruled out.
The inquiry comes amid major changes to Pakistan’s Test squad following the Lord’s defeat. Seven players were released from the squad, with Imam and Rizwan returning home within hours. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also sacked and removed from the touring party.
The PCB replaced the seven players with fresh faces, including five uncapped players, as it reshaped the squad after the disappointing result.
While no report has explicitly mentioned it, national boards are only allowed to seize players’ phones if they have reason to suspect match-fixing and contact with bookies.
