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PCB Takes Pakistan Players Phone Into Custody - (Source: AFP)
Pakistan has once again found itself at the centre of controversy during the ongoing England tour. After heavy defeats in the first two Tests, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made major changes to the squad and sent several players and coaches back home.
Now, another major development has reportedly created fresh buzz around the team regarding match-fixing allegations.
The massive news comes at a difficult time for Pakistan cricket. The team has already faced criticism after losing the first two Tests of the series. In the first Test, England defeated the Babar Azam-led team by an innings and 103 runs. In the second match, the Three Lions won the game by 194 runs.
PCB Reportedly Takes Players’ Mobile Phones
In a significant development, according to Pakistani journalist Amber Ali of 365 News, the PCB has seized the mobile phones of some members of the Pakistan team ahead of the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston.
The identities of the players whose phones were taken have not been revealed. The PCB has also not issued an official statement explaining why the devices were collected or what led to this decision.
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The move has attracted considerable attention because players' mobile phones normally remain their personal property, even though their use is restricted in the players and match officials' areas during international matches.
One thing that needs to be mentioned here is that there is currently no confirmed evidence that any Pakistan player is involved in match-fixing. The PCB has not accused any player, and the reason for taking the phones has not been officially disclosed.
However, this massive or radical move cannot come out of nowhere; there must be a reason behind it, either related to match-fixing concerns or to players' poor performance in the ongoing PAK vs ENG series.
The report also suggests that the phones will remain with the board until the completion of the Edgbaston Test.
The ICC does have strict rules regarding communication devices. Players and team officials are generally not allowed to carry or use mobile phones and other communication devices in designated restricted areas, including dressing rooms.
Why PAK vs ENG Test Series Has Been In The Limelight More Than On-field Cricket
The PAK vs ENG Test series attracted more attention for events away from the field than for the cricket itself.
The controversy began with Imam-ul-Haq’s fake injury, and reports also emerged that the PCB might ban the player if found guilty.
The PCB then took major decisions while the series is still underway. The board released seven players from the squad, including Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
The coaching staff also faced drastic changes. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were removed from their roles. The situation became even more complicated when Misbah-ul-Haq stepped down from the selection committee.
Pakistan's England Tours Have Seen Match-Fixing Controversy Before
This is not the first time a Pakistan-England Test series has been surrounded by serious off-field controversy. In 2010, allegations emerged that some Pakistan players had been involved in a spot-fixing scheme.
The scandal centred on claims that a bookmaker, Mazhar Majeed, had taken money in exchange for information about deliveries.
Pakistan fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were found guilty of bowling planned no-balls, while captain Salman Butt was also implicated in the case. The ICC later imposed lengthy bans on Butt, Asif and Amir.
