The turmoil in Pakistan cricket has slumped to a brand new low, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) launching an investigation into the conduct of its gamers in the course of the ongoing tour of England. Coming because it does quickly after seven gamers had been known as again residence for numerous causes, the most recent growth provides a brand new dimension to the controversy surrounding the workforce.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated an inside disciplinary inquiry following media stories regarding self-discipline and conduct, that are at present being reviewed internally,” the PCB spokesman mentioned in a social media publish.
‘Disciplinary inquiry’ seems to be the operative phrase within the assertion, suggesting that there will not be an anti-corruption angle to the episode. Unconfirmed data from sources signifies that it may very well be purely a disciplinary probe. What provides to the thriller, nonetheless, are the stories that the PCB just lately confiscated the cellphones of some gamers, elevating the opportunity of an anti-corruption dimension to the matter.
It should be famous right here that the notorious spot-fixing scandal in the course of the 2010 tour of England resulted in three Pakistan gamers being banned.
“The PCB handles such issues in accordance with its customary procedures. The method is being carried out below PCB rules, making certain that every one involved people are given due consideration,” the assertion by Amir Mir mentioned. It’s being advised that the handsets had been taken away to facilitate a forensic probe into the alleged leakage of data to the media.
“At this stage, any speculative stories or unverified claims circulating on sure platforms, significantly these originating from hostile exterior sources, shouldn’t be considered credible. The PCB won’t remark additional presently. The Board advises stakeholders and the general public to depend on official PCB communications,” Mir additional mentioned.
The newest growth comes within the wake of seven gamers, together with two former captains, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, being recalled after a disastrous second Take a look at at Lord’s, the place the Babar Azam-led facet misplaced by 194 runs to go 0-2 down within the three-Take a look at collection.
The opposite 5 gamers despatched again from the UK had been Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman (left-arm spinner), Khurram Shahzad (quick bowler), Aamir Jamal (all-rounder), and Muhammad Awais Zafar. Apart from, a few coaches had been additionally sacked, with a brand new teaching workers taking cost.
The third and last Take a look at begins at Edgbaston on September 9.
