Match fixing concerns? PCB takes Pakistan players’ phones into custody

PCB Takes Players' Phones Into Custody Before Final England Test 📱

Pakistan's troubled England tour has taken yet another twist—the PCB reportedly has the national team's mobile phones in custody until the third and final Test at Edgbaston.

Per Pakistani 365 News, the devices were handed over to the board, though the report didn't name which players were affected, and the PCB hasn't said why. Naturally, this has sparked debate over how far authorities can go with personal devices—especially around privacy and safeguards for private comms.

What ICC Rules Actually Say:

Phones are already banned inside restricted areas (dressing rooms, etc.) during matches—players must store them in secure lockup. But that's matchday-only.

For a full integrity probe, the ICC AntiCorruption Code gives officials broader powers: they can demand devices, copy messages, WhatsApp, photos, call records, and even require access codes. Non-compliance = disciplinary action.

But Here's the Catch:

The PCB taking phones doesn't prove any corruption or matchfixing probe is underway. No player's been accused of any integrity offence. And there's a line between ICC jurisdiction (global integrity) and national boards (mostly domestic). The PCB hasn't cited any contract or disciplinary provision for this move.

Context:

This lands hard—after losing the first two Tests badly, the PCB sent seven players home and swapped Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed for Mike Hesson ahead of this finale.

So until the PCB explains itself, we're left wondering: internal discipline? Team rules? Or something formal? Stay tuned. 🏏

Source: Times of India