PCB Confiscates Players' Mobile Phones Ahead of PAK vs ENG 3rd Test 2026: Report
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly seized mobile phones from players during their disastrous 2026 Test tour of England, deepening a crisis before the third and final Test at Edgbaston (September 9–13). This unprecedented move is part of an investigation into unspecified issues and player conduct, following Pakistan's 2-0 series loss.
In an unprecedented disciplinary measure, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly confiscated the mobile phones of several touring national team players in London ahead of the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston. The step forms part of an internal investigation launched by the board following a turbulent, controversy-marred tour that has seen Pakistan surrender the Test series with a match to spare. PCB Set To Remove Pakistan Team Chief Selector Aaqib Javed Amid Turmoil: Report.
PCB Confiscates Players' Phone
🚨Some players’ mobile phones are in the PCB’s custody in London, with an investigation currently underway.#pakistancricket #pakistanvsengland pic.twitter.com/LlUAE5cwQI
— Amber Ali🇵🇰 (@aliamber04) September 5, 2026
Crackdown Amid Widening Probe
According to Pakistani media reports, board officials took custody of the devices from members of the touring party in London, with the phones expected to remain with authorities while an inquiry into off-field issues is conducted. While the PCB has not released a formal statement detailing the precise nature of the probe, the confiscation of personal communication devices reflects significant unease within the board's hierarchy regarding camp discipline and leaked information.
Under standard ICC regulations, players routinely deposit smart devices only on match days before entering the dressing room to comply with anti-corruption protocols. The seizure of phones during an extended gap between fixtures represents a rare operational intervention by national board officials. Pakistan Drop Seven Players, Change Coaches Ahead of 3rd Test vs England in Major Squad Reshuffle.
Wholesale Changes Following Series Defeat
The phone seizures follow a week of sweeping roster purges executed after Pakistan’s 194-run defeat at Lord’s, which gave England an unassailable 2–0 series lead. Pakistan failed to cross the 200-run mark in any of their four completed innings across Headingley and Lord’s, prompting fierce public and expert backlash.
In the fallout, the PCB abruptly sent home seven players, including established figures Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Ali Agha, alongside all-rounder Aamir Jamal and pacer Khurram Shahzad. The coaching staff was also restructured mid-series, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul relieved of duties and replaced for the final Test by white-ball coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke. Imam-ul-Haq to Seek Legal Advice As Pakistan Opener Faces PCB Action Over ‘Fake Injury’ Allegations.
Preparations for PAK vs ENG 3rd Test
The latest administrative intervention adds another layer of disruption as Pakistan attempt to salvage pride and World Test Championship points in the third Test starting on 9 September at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
With several uncapped domestic players drafted into the reshuffled squad under Babar Azam's captaincy, team management faces the task of restoring focus inside the dressing room amid lingering off-field inquiries.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2026 11:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
