PCB Hands Over Players' Phones to Authorities Amid Discipline Probe

In a decisive step, the Pakistan Cricket Board seized the mobile phones of seven players dropped from the England Test series and transferred them to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency for detailed forensic examination. The handover, confirmed on September 11, was described as a necessary measure to preserve evidence related to alleged information leakage from the dressing room.

Among the confiscated devices were those belonging to Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, who are currently facing questioning over possible breaches of team confidentiality. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the board had no alternative but to act swiftly to protect the integrity of the sport.

The agency will unlock the phones, extract communications, and cross‑check the data with financial records to uncover any link between the alleged leak and monetary incentives. PCB officials also indicated that the internal disciplinary committee will review the findings once the cyber investigation concludes.

The move underscores a growing concern within Pakistan cricket about security lapses, especially after the team's disappointing performance in the England tour, which prompted the removal of head and bowling coaches alongside the seven players.