The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially launched an internal disciplinary inquiry regarding the conduct of its players during the ongoing tour of England. This development follows a period of significant turmoil for the team, which recently saw seven players recalled from the squad after a heavy 194-run defeat at Lord’s in the second Test, leaving the side trailing 0-2 in the three-match series.
A spokesperson for the board confirmed the investigation via social media, stating that the PCB is currently reviewing reports concerning team discipline. While the term “disciplinary inquiry” suggests the matter may not involve anti-corruption protocols, reports have emerged indicating that the board recently confiscated mobile phones from several players. This has fueled speculation regarding a potential forensic investigation into the unauthorized leakage of information to the media. Addressing these concerns, PCB official Amir Mir emphasized that the process is being handled under standard board regulations to ensure all individuals receive due consideration.
The board has urged the public and stakeholders to exercise caution regarding unverified claims. “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,” Mir stated, adding that the board will not provide further comments at this time and advises relying solely on official communications. The situation has drawn inevitable comparisons to the 2010 tour of England, which was marred by a high-profile spot-fixing scandal that resulted in bans for three Pakistan players.
The seven players recalled from the UK include former captains Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, alongside Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal, and Muhammad Awais Zafar. In addition to these personnel changes, the team has undergone a coaching staff overhaul. The squad, led by Babar Azam, is now preparing for the third and final Test of the series, which is scheduled to begin at Edgbaston on September 9.
