![Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of PCB [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1788774764424_MohsinNaqviPCBchairman.jpg?type=hq)
Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of PCB [Source: AFP]
Amid the turbulent cricket season Pakistan is going through right now, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to launch an internal disciplinary inquiry into the team that is currently on an ongoing tour of England.
Several media reports have surfaced with concerns ranging from the team's discipline to their conduct, alongside a potential match-fixing scenario that involved mobile phone bans.
Addressing these alleged rumours, the advisor to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, confirmed the development on his official social media handle on September 7.
PCB set to launch investigation into match-fixing and disciplinary ban claims
Notably, unverified reports have suggested that investigators are examining the Pakistan players' activities and communications in London, where they are allegedly in contact with certain individuals. Sources have also claimed that disciplinary actions could be considered if concrete evidence of any wrongdoing is found.
Addressing the ongoing inquiry, Amir Mir shared PCB's viewpoint on the match-fixing allegations and also hinted at the potential action to be taken in the future.
"The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally. 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," Mir wrote on X.
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Mobile phones confiscated over match-fixing suspicions
It was also reported that the team's security officer took possession of the mobile phones of two Pakistan players during their stay in London and retained their devices for several hours, not allowing them any access. This has further fuelled speculation regarding the match-fixing claims as addressed by Mir.
For the unaware, the Pakistan cricket team suffered humiliating defeats at the hands of England in the first two Tests, with the visitors already losing the series.
The last match will be played in Birmingham on September 9 and will be the only opportunity for the Babar Azam-led unit to save face and avoid a whitewash.
What are the actions PCB can take?
Although there has been no clear indication of the accusations, the PCB has also not confirmed the specific allegations, including the claim that the players' phones were taken away and that their data was accessed. Hence, as the PCB is currently denying these claims, there is a chance that they are merely rumours.
It is also worthy to note that the board has not disclosed the specific nature of the disciplinary concerns under investigation or identified the players involved, and any further action is expected to follow after the completion of the internal inquiry.
Nevertheless, there are certain steps that could potentially be on the cards for the PCB if they find someone guilty. One of the key penalties under the PCB Anti-Corruption Code is a ban on the player ranging from five years to a lifetime, depending on the severity of the offence.
Alongside the ban, a disciplinary panel can also impose substantial monetary fines on a player found guilty. Even failing to report a corrupt approach by a fixer can carry a mandatory ban ranging from six months to several years, as per the cricket board's regulations.
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