Pakistan cricket’s match-fixing ghost returns as PCB launches England tour inquiry

The ghost of match-fixing has returned to haunt Pakistan cricket and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched an internal inquiry during the team’s ongoing three-Test series against England.

The PCB said on Monday that it has begun the inquiry amid growing media reports of possible disciplinary violations during the tour. Seven players were sent home after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the first two Tests.

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PCB's media head Aamir Mir announced that the Board has initiated the inquiry owing to the media reports. However, in the statement Pakistan Cricket Board did not any specify violation or the individuals involved.

"The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally," he said.

"The PCB handles such matters in accordance with its standard procedure. The process is being conducted under PCB regulations, ensuring all concerned individuals are given due consideration," he added.

"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," Aamir Mir wrote on X.



Pakistan, after losing the second test against England by 194 runs, had dropped players including seniors Muhammad Rizwan, Imam ul Haq and Salman Ali Agha. Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar were also dropped. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released.

The third and final Test of the series begins September 9.

ToI had earlier reported citing Pakistani 365 News that PCB had taken custody of the national team's mobile phones ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston.

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

There has been growing media speculation that some Pakistan players were facing an inquiry over unspecified disciplinary issues on the tour.

Former Pakistan Test captain Muhammad Yousuf also said on a TV show that there was "definitely some problem in the Pakistan dressing room", which had prompted the PCB to take action.

"I give credit to the board for showing courage in taking this step. These players needed to be brought back because it was necessary to fix the team," he said.