PCB launches disciplinary inquiry into players

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports about the conduct of national team players during the ongoing tour of England. The development comes amid unverified reports involving former Test players Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan, although the PCB has not named any players or confirmed the specific allegations. PCB media director and adviser to chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Amir Mir, confirmed on Monday that the board was reviewing matters concerning discipline and conduct under its 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 in a statement on X. He said the board handles such matters according to its standard procedures and that all relevant individuals would be given due consideration during the inquiry. 'The process is being conducted under PCB regulations, ensuring that all concerned individuals are given due consideration,' he added. The PCB has refrained from providing further details while the inquiry remains underway. Reports emerge over Imam and Rizwan The inquiry follows media reports claiming that the PCB obtained data from the mobile phones of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan as part of an investigation into their activities and contacts during the team's stay in London. According to the report, the two players' phones were taken into possession by the team's security officer after Pakistan's 194-run defeat by England in the second Test at Lord's. The devices were reportedly returned several hours later after their data was allegedly transferred elsewhere. The PCB has not confirmed that the phones were taken or that their data was accessed or transferred. Similar details have also been reported by other outlets, citing reports, but the board has not verified the claims. PCB warns against unverified claims Mir urged the public and other stakeholders not to treat speculation circulating on social media and other platforms as established fact. '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,' he said. The PCB said it would not comment further while the internal process is in progress and advised the public to rely on official communications from the board. The board has also not disclosed the precise nature of the disciplinary concerns being examined or identified the players involved. The disciplinary development adds another layer to the turmoil surrounding Pakistan's Test side during its England tour. Pakistan suffered two heavy defeats in the opening matches of the three-Test series. England won the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before securing a 194-run victory at Lord's to take an unassailable 2-0 lead. Following the disappointing results, the PCB made sweeping changes ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. Seven players, including Imam and Rizwan, were released from the Test squad midway through the tour. Red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was also removed from the touring party and replaced by Mike Hesson on an interim basis. Bowling coach Umar Gul was likewise removed from the touring setup. Imam's injury already under scrutiny Imam's absence from the Lord's Test had already attracted attention before the latest reports emerged. The opener suffered what was described as a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the opening day. He subsequently did not bat in either innings as Pakistan were dismissed for 110 and 194. Aaqib Javed, a member of the national selection committee and the PCB's high-performance director, later called for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Imam's injury. The PCB's latest statement, however, did not specifically link Imam's injury to the newly announced disciplinary inquiry. Further action depends on inquiry findings Unverified reports have suggested that investigators are examining the players' activities and communications in London, including alleged contacts with certain individuals. Some reports have also claimed that disciplinary measures, potentially including heavy fines or bans, could be considered if concrete evidence of wrongdoing is established. The PCB has not confirmed these allegations or indicated what punishment, if any, could follow. For now, the board has said that the inquiry will proceed according to its regulations and that the position and evidence of all relevant individuals will be considered before any decision is taken. Any further disciplinary action is therefore expected only after the internal process is completed. Pakistan's England tour under growing scrutiny The inquiry comes as Pakistan prepares for the final Test of a series already dominated by questions over team performance and selection. With England leading 2-0, the PCB has already overhauled parts of the Test setup, while the latest disciplinary review could bring further scrutiny if the investigation establishes any violations. Until then, the board has maintained that reports concerning the players should not be treated as confirmed unless they are communicated through official PCB channels.