Match-fixing fears? PCB seizes Pakistan players' phones ahead of final England Test

Pakistan's already chaotic England tour has taken another turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board taking custody of the national team's mobile phones ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston, the Times of India reported.

Citing Pakistani 365 News, TOI reported that the devices have been handed over to the PCB and will remain with the board until the conclusion of the final Test. The report did not identify the players whose phones were taken, and the PCB has not publicly stated the reason behind the move.

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The development has prompted questions about the scope of authorities' powers over players' personal devices, including protocols for seizure, retention and access to private communications.

What ICC regulations permit

International cricket already enforces strict restrictions on mobile phone use. Under ICC Player and Match Officials Area regulations, players and support staff cannot possess or use phones or communication devices in restricted zones, including dressing rooms during matches. Devices must be placed in secure storage before entering such areas.

However, TOI noted that these match-day restrictions differ from extended phone retention scenarios.

The ICC Anti-Corruption Code grants authorised anti-corruption officials broader powers when a formal integrity investigation is underway. Such officials can issue written demands requiring participants to surrender devices or allow inspection of their contents if there are reasonable grounds to believe the material is relevant to an investigation. This can extend to telephone records, internet data, text messages, WhatsApp conversations, photographs and other electronically stored documents.

Non-compliance with legitimate demands during an anti-corruption investigation can result in disciplinary action.

No investigation confirmed

According to the report, the PCB has not confirmed whether the phone custody is connected to any integrity investigation. No player has been publicly accused of an integrity breach, and there is no official statement linking the move to corruption or match-fixing concerns.

National cricket boards hold direct anti-corruption authority over domestic competitions, separate from the ICC's primary jurisdiction over international cricket.

The development occurs during a difficult stage of Pakistan's England tour, which has already seen heavy defeats in the opening two Tests, a mid-series squad overhaul (with seven players sent home), and coaching staff changes ahead of the Edgbaston final.

(With inputs from TOI)