The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come under fresh criticism after launching an internal disciplinary inquiry into players following Pakistan’s poor start to the England Test series.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal accused the board of creating a “diversion” amid reports that mobile phones were taken from some players and their data may have been transferred during the inquiry.
The PCB, however, has not confirmed that players’ phones were confiscated or that data was transferred. Its Director of Media and Communications, Amir Mir, confirmed that an internal disciplinary inquiry had been launched following media reports alleging misconduct by players.
Kamran Akmal questions PCB’s timing
Speaking on the Game Plan show, Akmal said the situation could have left Pakistan’s players under significant mental pressure.
“The players must be down mentally,” Akmal said, referring to reports that phones had been taken from players in England.
He claimed that the phones were reportedly kept for around four hours and that data had been transferred. Akmal also said he had heard that four players still in England had their phones taken away.
The former cricketer questioned whether the disciplinary controversy was drawing attention away from the PCB’s earlier decision to make sweeping changes to the Pakistan team.
“I think diversion is being created right now,” Akmal said, arguing that the board may want public attention to remain focused on the latest controversy rather than its decision to send seven players home.
PCB makes major changes after England losses
Pakistan’s troubles intensified after the team lost the first two Tests against England at Headingley and Lord’s.
The PCB subsequently sent seven players home, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha. Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was also removed, with Mike Hesson taking charge for the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi defended the changes, saying the team’s Test performances had not been good enough.
The shake-up, however, has generated considerable debate, with Akmal suggesting that the board may have acted too hastily.
‘Not just corruption’
Akmal also cautioned against immediately interpreting the reported phone seizures as evidence of match-fixing or corruption.
He suggested that the inquiry could instead involve concerns over information being leaked to the media, particularly team-related news.
“Not just corruption. There are several matters,” Akmal said, adding that the PCB should make its findings public.
According to the former wicketkeeper, releasing the inquiry report would help prevent players from facing prolonged speculation and criticism.
PCB yet to reveal details of inquiry
The PCB has so far confirmed only that an internal disciplinary inquiry is underway. The board has not publicly disclosed the identities of the players under investigation or provided details of the alleged misconduct.
It has also not confirmed reports that players’ mobile phones were taken or that data was transferred from them.
The controversy comes at a difficult time for Pakistan, whose Test campaign in England has put the team under considerable pressure.
The Pakistan side, led by Babar Azam, was also at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings, according to the report, adding to scrutiny of the team and PCB management.
