Cricket board reviews alleged discipline and conduct breaches during Pakistan’s ongoing England tour, but declines to confirm specific allegations

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning alleged breaches of discipline and conduct during the national team’s ongoing tour of England.

Amir Mir, adviser to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, confirmed the development in a post on X, saying the matter was being reviewed under the board’s existing rules and regulations.

“The PCB has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally,” Mir said.

He added that the PCB was handling the matter according to its standard procedures and that all individuals concerned would be given due consideration during the process.

The PCB has declined to provide further details at this stage and urged stakeholders and the public to rely on the board’s official communications.

Mir also warned against treating speculative or unverified reports circulating on some platforms as credible, particularly claims he said originated from hostile external sources.

Reports of players’ phones being taken

The inquiry follows reports that the Pakistan team’s security officer allegedly took possession of the mobile phones of two players during their stay in London and retained the devices for several hours.

Some reports have also claimed that disciplinary action, including possible fines or bans, could be considered if wrongdoing is established.

However, the PCB has not confirmed these specific allegations, including claims that the players’ phones were confiscated or that their data was accessed.

Inquiry follows changes to Test squad

The disciplinary review comes after major changes to Pakistan’s Test squad during the England tour.

Seven players were sent home midway through the tour following Pakistan’s heavy defeat to England in the first Test at Lord’s.

Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed from the touring party as the PCB responded to the disappointing result.

PCB to assess reported conduct

The latest disciplinary review adds another layer of scrutiny to Pakistan’s England tour.

The board is expected to assess the reported conduct under its existing procedures before deciding whether any further action is warranted.

Until the inquiry is completed, the PCB has not confirmed whether any disciplinary violations occurred or whether sanctions will be imposed.