Match-fixing crisis in Pakistan cricket? Mobile phones confiscated & major squad overhaul before final Test against England
(Courtesy : X.com)
Pakistan are currently preparing for the final encounter against England at Edgbaston.
Pakistan cricket has once again become embroiled in controversy during an international series. What was already a difficult Test tour of England has now turned into a major off-field story after the PCB made some startling changes to the squad following their series defeat at Lord’s.
Pakistan‘s problems intensified after they suffered a 194-run defeat at Lord’s in the second Test. The result left the team under considerable pressure, and the management turned suspicious of the team’s particularly poor performance.
However, subsequent events now indicate that the PCB’s concerns went far beyond poor performance. The sudden removal of several prominent players and the formation of an internal committee to conduct a disciplinary inquiry have raised questions about what exactly is happening within the Pakistan team.
The controversy has been heightened due to Pakistan cricket’s long history of match-fixing scandals, especially during a tour of England.
Is PCB taking the extreme measure as match-fixing allegations emerge?
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According to a report by the Times of India, the PCB has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning the conduct and discipline of its players.
PCB’s Director of Media and Digital Communications, Amir Mir, confirmed that they have formed an internal review committee to investigate these issues.
Seven Pakistani players, including established stars like Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, were sent back before the completion of the three-match tour of England.
Five relatively inexperienced youngsters, alongside others, have instead been added to the squad. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi defended the move, describing it as a necessary change based on a review of their performance.
Shockingly, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released from their duties. Instead, Mike Hesson was sent in to take over the duties.
Adding another layer to the controversy, the TOI reported, citing Pakistan outlet 365 News, that the PCB has confiscated the mobile phones of some of Pakistan’s players and will keep them in its possession until the conclusion of the third Test.
Nothing has been revealed about which players have been treated in this manner. Speculation regarding match-fixing has not yet been confirmed; however, recent incidents have further fueled the controversy.
Why has the PCB confiscated mobiles of Pakistan players?
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confiscated mobile phones from specific players, possibly to investigate their external communications and contacts in London during the team’s tour of England.
Is Babar Azam also under the scanner for match-fixing allegations?
No official source or statement has placed Babar Azam under the scanner for match-fixing allegations on the England tour as of now.
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