Pakistan cricket hit by match-fixing controversy again: Players’ phones confiscated as seven players sent home

Pakistan cricket has come under fresh scrutiny during the ongoing Test series against England after a report claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took custody of some players’ phones. The development came after the board made major changes to the squad following Pakistan’s 194-run defeat at Lord’s and confirmed an internal disciplinary inquiry over reports related to discipline and conduct, a TOI report stated.

According to Pakistani outlet 365 News, the devices will remain with the PCB until the conclusion of the final Test. The report did not identify the players whose phones were taken, and the PCB has not publicly explained why the devices were confiscated.

The developments have revived memories of Pakistan cricket’s troubled history with match-fixing, although the current PCB inquiry has been described as a disciplinary process and the source does not establish that the present matter involves match-fixing.

PCB makes major changes after Lord’s defeat

Pakistan made sweeping changes to its squad after losing the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs. Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar were removed from the squad.

Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released from their duties. The PCB then added seven players to the squad. Batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal are the two capped players among the additions, while Razaullah Khan, Mohammad Imran, Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig and Mohammad Imran Junior are yet to make their international debuts.

PCB confirms internal inquiry

The large-scale changes led to questions about whether factors beyond poor performances were behind the decisions. PCB Director Media and Digital Communications Amir Mir later confirmed that the board had begun an internal inquiry.

"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."

The PCB has not publicly provided further details about the nature of the reports under investigation.

What the report says about players’ phones

The report by 365 News claimed that the PCB had taken custody of devices belonging to some players. According to the report, the phones would remain with the board until the final Test was completed. However, it did not reveal which players had handed over their devices. The PCB has also not publicly stated why the phones were taken into custody.

Aaqib Javed questions Imam-ul-Haq injury

The PCB's changes were followed by criticism from Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed over Imam-ul-Haq's injury.

Imam suffered a low-grade calf tear at Lord's and did not bat in either innings. Aaqib questioned why the batter was unable to take part with the injury and said an inquiry would be conducted.

"The Imam injury is a big question mark, and a deep disappointment. Players in the past used to get injuries, but they used to put on casts and still tried to play. We'll take action against this. How is it possible that a pulled muscle ruled you out of batting in both innings? He should have tried and fought. He'll have to face an inquiry; I can't say he faked it, but a muscle pull like that cannot stop you from batting altogether," Aaqib said in an interview with Pakistan broadcast network Geo.

Aaqib also defended the decision to make several changes during the series.

"The message we're sending to the recalled players is that you have to raise your game on important tours and compete, and we should be able to see some effort," he said.

Mohsin Naqvi defends squad changes

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi backed the decision to make changes before the final Test.

"Every match of a series is important for us and we are not left with any option if a player is not performing but to look for his replacement. The purpose behind these changes is not to axe players from contention, but just to replace them," Naqvi told Geo Network.

The PCB chairman said the changes were aimed at replacing players rather than permanently removing them from contention.

Lord's brings back Pakistan's match-fixing history

The developments have also drawn attention because Lord's has been linked to one of the most significant spot-fixing cases involving Pakistan cricket. During a Test at Lord's in 2010, then Pakistan captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were found guilty of taking money from a bookmaker to deliberately bowl no-balls at pre-arranged moments. The three players were handed prison sentences and bans.