The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly taken the mobile phones of several Pakistan players into its custody ahead of the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston.

The development adds another controversy to Pakistan’s troubled England tour. Pakistan have already lost the first two Tests and are facing England in the final match of the series from September 9.

According to reports, the players will not have access to their phones until the end of the third Test. However, the PCB has not publicly explained why the devices were taken or confirmed which players were asked to hand them over.

Why Did PCB Take the Players’ Phones?

The exact reason behind the decision remains unclear.

Reports from Pakistani media have suggested that the board is conducting an internal investigation in London. Some reports have raised questions about possible integrity concerns, including match-fixing.

However, there is currently no official confirmation that any Pakistan player has been accused of match-fixing or corruption. The PCB has also not publicly said that the phone collection is connected to a match-fixing investigation.

Therefore, it would be premature to conclude that the players are being investigated for match-fixing.

The phones could potentially be related to an internal disciplinary matter, team regulations or another investigation. The exact reason should become clearer if the PCB issues an official statement.

Pakistan’s Tour Has Been Full of Controversy

The phone controversy comes at a difficult time for Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan lost the first two Tests of the three-match series against England. Following the defeats, the PCB made major changes to the squad and coaching staff.

Seven players were released from the touring squad, while Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed from their positions. Mike Hesson has taken charge of the team ahead of the final Test.

The players sent home included Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha, among others.

Pakistan then brought in several replacements as the team prepared for the final Test at Edgbaston.

Mike Hesson Faces a Big Challenge

Mike Hesson has taken over the Test team at short notice and faces a difficult task.

The new coach has already had to deal with major changes to the squad. Hesson said he was not involved in selecting the original Test squad for the England tour and was brought in after the changes had already started.

His immediate challenge is to bring stability to a team that is 2-0 down in the series.

The final Test at Edgbaston will begin on September 9, with Pakistan trying to avoid a 3-0 series defeat.

PCB Phone Decision Raises Questions

Taking players’ personal phones into board custody is an unusual step and has naturally raised questions.

International cricket has strict rules around communication devices in certain restricted areas, particularly during matches and in designated areas. However, those rules alone do not confirm why the PCB has taken the players’ phones for the entire Test.

For now, the biggest question is what exactly the PCB is investigating, if there is an active investigation.

Until the board provides more details, there is no confirmed evidence that Pakistan players are involved in match-fixing or another corruption offence.

The situation adds even more pressure on Pakistan ahead of their final Test against England.