PCB Launches Internal Inquiry into Players' Conduct after Pakistan’s Poor Show on England Tour

Sports Desk 

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched an internal disciplinary inquiry into players' conduct following media reports about 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 on X, saying the board was examining the matter under its existing rules and regulations.

The PCB said all individuals concerned would be given due consideration during the process. “The PCB 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 procedures. The process is being conducted under PCB regulations, ensuring that all concerned individuals are given due consideration,” he added.

However, the board has declined to comment further at this stage and urged stakeholders and the public to rely on its official communications. Mir also cautioned against treating speculative or unverified claims circulating on certain platforms as credible, particularly reports he described as originating from hostile external sources.

The inquiry comes amid reports that the team’s security officer took possession of the mobile phones of two Pakistan players during their stay in London and retained the devices for several hours. Accodrding to media reports, disciplinary action, potentially including heavy fines or bans, could be considered if concrete evidence of wrongdoing is established.

The PCB, however, has not confirmed these specific allegations, including claims that the players’ phones were taken or that their data was accessed. The latest development follows significant changes to Pakistan’s Test set-up during the England tour. Seven players were sent home midway through the tour following the team’s heavy defeat by 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. Imam’s absence from the Lord’s Test had already become a matter of scrutiny. The opener suffered what was described as a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the first day and did not bat in either innings as Pakistan were dismissed for 110 and 194.

Aaqib Javed, a member of the national selection committee and PCB’s high-performance director, subsequently called for an inquiry into the matter. However, the PCB’s latest statement did not name Imam or Rizwan, nor did it disclose the nature of the investigation. It said stakeholders and the public should rely on official PCB communications regarding the matter.