The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially acknowledged that it is conducting an internal disciplinary inquiry into Pakistan’s players during the ongoing England tour, after reports emerged that the phones of some cricketers had been taken following the team’s heavy defeat at Lord’s.
PCB media director Amir Mir confirmed on Monday via a post on X that the board had initiated an inquiry following “media reports concerning discipline and conduct”. He did not identify the players under investigation or disclose the specific allegations being examined.
“The PCB handles such matters in accordance with its standard procedures,” Mir said in a statement. “The process is being conducted under PCB regulations, ensuring that all concerned individuals are given due consideration.”
The acknowledgement came after Pakistan Observer reported that the PCB had obtained data from the mobile phones of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan in London as part of an investigation into their activities and contacts during the tour.
According to Pakistan Observer, the team’s security officer took possession of the two players’ phones after the squad returned to its hotel following the 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s. The devices were reportedly returned several hours later after their data had allegedly been transferred.
The report said the investigation was examining the players’ activities and interactions with individuals during their stay in England. It added that any concrete evidence of misconduct could lead to disciplinary action, including fines or a ban.
The inquiry comes amid a sweeping upheaval in Pakistan cricket after consecutive heavy defeats left England 2-0 ahead in the three-match Test series. Pakistan lost the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before suffering another emphatic defeat at Lord’s.
The PCB subsequently released seven players from the Test squad ahead of the final match in Birmingham. Rizwan, Imam, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were among those sent home.
The board has also overhauled the coaching set-up, removing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul only six matches into their tenures. White-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have taken interim charge for the final Test.
The inquiry adds another layer to a troubled tour that has also been marked by disagreements within the selection and coaching set-up. Aaqib Javed publicly criticised Sarfaraz over selection decisions and questioned Imam’s fitness after the opener suffered a calf injury during the Lord’s Test.
However, the PCB has yet to specify what prompted the disciplinary inquiry or whether it is confined to Imam and Rizwan.
Pakistan’s final Test against England will begin in Birmingham on September 9.