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After this incident, questions have started being raised regarding the personal mobile phones of the players and their privacy. In particular, the question is under what circumstances can a player’s personal phone be taken, for how long can it be kept and what rules and security measures apply to viewing private conversations or other information contained on it.

What are the rules regarding phones in international cricket?

There are already strict rules regarding the use of mobile phones in international cricket. Under the ICC Player and Match Officials Area rules, players and support staff cannot possess mobile phones or any other communication device in restricted areas during international matches. Dressing room is also included in such restricted areas. Players have to keep their mobile phones in a safe place before visiting these places.

The main objective of these rules is to maintain the credibility of international cricket and fairness of the match. Through this, an attempt is made to stop unauthorized conversation or communication. However, the ban on carrying a mobile phone in the restricted area on a match day is not the same as the ban on a player’s personal phone being in his possession for a long period of time.

What does ICC’s anti-corruption code say?

Under the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code, officials have been given more powers to mobile phones during official integrity checks. If an authorized anti-corruption officer has reason to believe that a mobile phone may contain information relevant to the investigation, he may, by written order, require the person concerned to hand over the mobile phone or provide a copy or download of the information contained therein.

How can information be obtained?

In such an investigation, many types of information can be sought from the mobile phone. This may include phone and internet records, text messages, WhatsApp conversations, photos, video, audio and other electronic documents. If necessary, the mobile password or access code can also be asked from the person concerned. If a person does not cooperate in the investigation despite official and legitimate demand, then disciplinary action can also be taken against him.

Are Pakistani players being investigated for anti-corruption?

However, an important point here is that the news of players’ phones being seized through PCB does not prove that any anti-corruption investigation is going on. So far, there has been no confirmation that this action of the PCB in England is part of any investigation to corruption, betting or match fixing. No allegation to integrity has been made publicly against any player.

This controversy to mobile phone has come to light during a very difficult phase of Pakistan’s tour of England. Pakistan has faced heavy defeat in the first two tests. After this, PCB made major changes in the team in the middle of the series. Seven players were sent back to Pakistan and changes were also made in the coaching staff before the third Test.

Mike Hesson has been given the responsibility in place of Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed. He will oversee the coaching arrangements of Pakistan team in the third and last test against England. In such a situation, the news of players’ mobile phones being kept with the PCB has added another unusual development to Pakistan’s tour of England which is already going through a difficult phase.