Pakistan's cricket board has launched a formal investigation into "discipline and conduct" following a deeply troubled tour of England, during which mobile phones belonging to at least two players were seized by PCB security personnel as part of the probe.
The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed on Monday that the inquiry is underway. Although no individuals have been publicly identified, the investigation was triggered after the team lost the opening two Tests and the board removed seven players from the touring squad with one match remaining. According to reports on the phone confiscation, the devices were taken into PCB custody and are expected to remain there until the conclusion of the third Test at Edgbaston, scheduled for September 9–13.
Data extraction from the two players' mobile phones occurred in the aftermath of Pakistan's 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord's. The precise nature of the investigation and any potential wrongdoing remain unclear, and the PCB has not announced a timeline for its disciplinary process.
Amir Mir, the PCB head of communications, stated:
"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."
What triggered the investigation?
The upheaval stems from Pakistan's poor performance during the England tour. After falling 2-0 behind in the three-Test series, the board removed Imam Ul Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal, and Muhammad Awais Zafar from the squad. The board also made significant coaching changes, replacing head coach Sarfraz Ahmed with New Zealander Mike Hesson, who moved across from his role with the white-ball team.
Imam Ul Haq drew particular scrutiny after failing to bat in either innings of the Lord's Test despite being part of the squad. He cited a low-grade calf injury sustained on day one. Aaqib Javed, Pakistan's director of high performance, expressed frustration with the decision in an interview with Geo News, saying:
"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."
According to additional reporting on the coaching changes, bowling coach Umar Gul was also sent home and replaced by Ashley Noffke.
What other disciplinary matters has the PCB addressed?
Beyond the current investigation, the board has also taken action regarding nine players who were fined during Pakistan's recent tour of the Caribbean. The players were instructed to remain within designated Player and Match Officials Areas during a warm-up match in Trinidad but broke away to watch the FIFA World Cup final in an unrestricted section of the ground. This matter was considered relatively minor by the board.
According to separate reporting, the PCB has also issued a written explanation notice to a selector regarding Test squad selections for both the West Indies and England tours, indicating broader concerns about decision-making within the selection process.
What is the scope of the current inquiry?
While the PCB has publicly described the investigation as focusing on "discipline and conduct," some outlets have reported that the probe may be linked to match-fixing concerns, though the board has not made any public confirmation of this. The confiscation of player phones in London and their retention by PCB authorities during the inquiry has intensified speculation about the nature and scope of the investigation.
Speaking after training at Edgbaston on Monday, Pakistan's newly arrived bowling coach Ashley Noffke acknowledged the broader turbulence affecting the tour, saying:
"I don't know too much. I sit outside that decision-making model above us as coaches. We try to keep the players focused on what they need to worry about. I guess that's one thing I've learned about being in Pakistan and coaching for a period of time – nearly 15 months with the white-ball team – there's always something going on in the background, whether or not it's in or out of our control – and most of the time it's out of the players' control."
What happens next?
The third and final Test of the England series begins on September 9 at Edgbaston. The confiscated mobile phones are expected to remain in PCB custody until the match concludes on September 13. The board has not publicly announced a timeline for completing its internal disciplinary inquiry, meaning any further action or sanctions remain pending the outcome of the review process.
