The turmoil in Pakistan cricket has slumped to a new low, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) launching an investigation into the conduct of its players during the ongoing tour of England. Coming as it does soon after seven players were called back home for various reasons, the latest development adds a new dimension to the controversy surrounding the team.
“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 spokesman said in a social media post.
‘Disciplinary inquiry’ appears to be the operative phrase in the statement, suggesting that there may not be an anti-corruption angle to the episode. Unconfirmed information from sources indicates that it could be purely a disciplinary probe. What adds to the mystery, however, are the reports that the PCB recently confiscated the mobile phones of a few players, raising the possibility of an anti-corruption dimension to the matter.
It must be noted here that the infamous spot-fixing scandal during the 2010 tour of England resulted in three Pakistan players being banned.
“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,” the statement by Amir Mir said. It is being suggested that the handsets were taken away to facilitate a forensic probe into the alleged leakage of information to the media.
“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. The PCB will not comment further at this time. The Board advises stakeholders and the public to rely on official PCB communications,” Mir further said.
The latest development comes in the wake of seven players, including two former captains, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, being recalled after a disastrous second Test at Lord’s, where the Babar Azam-led side lost by 194 runs to go 0-2 down in the three-Test series.
The other five players sent back from the UK were Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman (left-arm spinner), Khurram Shahzad (fast bowler), Aamir Jamal (all-rounder), and Muhammad Awais Zafar. Besides, a couple of coaches were also sacked, with a new coaching staff taking charge.
The third and final Test starts at Edgbaston on September 9.
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