Lahore: Pakistan cricket’s ongoing crisis has taken another unexpected turn after reports claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken the mobile phones of members of the national team into its custody during the ongoing Test series in England.

A report in Pakistani media, cited by NDTV Sports, claimed that the PCB is conducting an investigation but did not specify what exactly is being investigated. A video report by 365 News reportedly said that more details would emerge later. The identities of the players whose phones were taken have not been officially disclosed.

The development has prompted speculation on social media about whether the reported phone custody is connected to anti-corruption measures. However, there is no official confirmation from the PCB that the investigation is related to corruption or match-fixing.

PCB yet to explain what it is investigating

The most significant question surrounding the latest development is the purpose of the reported phone custody.

According to the NDTV report, the Pakistani media report claimed that the PCB was carrying out an investigation but provided no details about the subject of the inquiry. The report also did not say whether the investigation involved a particular player, communication with an outside party or any other issue.

That lack of information has created considerable speculation because the reported action comes during an already turbulent overseas tour.

It would therefore be premature to link the development directly to an anti-corruption inquiry. Unless the PCB or another authorised cricketing body provides further information, the reason for collecting the phones remains unclear.

The distinction is important because possession of players’ phones does not itself establish that any player has committed a disciplinary or anti-corruption offence.

Seven Pakistan players already sent home

The phone controversy comes days after the PCB made one of the biggest changes to Pakistan’s Test squad during the England series.

After Pakistan lost the first two Tests, the board released seven members of its touring squad and replaced them ahead of the third and final Test.

The players sent home were Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. The PCB also released head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.

Mike Hesson was appointed in place of Sarfaraz for the red-ball coaching role, while Ashley Noffke replaced Gul as bowling coach.

The scale of the changes has already generated widespread discussion around Pakistan cricket, particularly because they were made in the middle of a three-Test series.

Pakistan face England in third Test on September 9

The third and final Test between England and Pakistan is scheduled to begin on September 9.

Pakistan have already fallen 2-0 behind in the series and now face the difficult task of avoiding a clean sweep.

The team will enter the final match with a considerably different squad from the one that started the series. The latest reported phone development adds another layer of uncertainty to preparations for the Edgbaston Test.

For the players retained in the squad, maintaining focus will be particularly important as the team attempts to end the series on a positive note.

Seven new players added to Pakistan squad

The PCB has brought in seven replacements for the final Test: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig, Muhammad Randhawa, Razaullah and Muhammad Imran Jnr.

Five of the seven have international experience, while Muhammad Randhawa and Razaullah are yet to represent Pakistan at international level.

Saim Ayub has played eight Tests for Pakistan, while Abdullah Fazal has appeared in two Tests.

Arafat Minhas has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is. The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder therefore brings some international experience despite being relatively new to the Test environment.

Wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig is another player attracting attention after being named Player of the Tournament in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

Muhammad Imran Jnr provides a left-arm pace option, while Muhammad Imran, also known as Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah are right-arm pace-bowling all-rounders.

Phone controversy adds to Pakistan’s off-field problems

The reported phone custody is significant mainly because it arrives at a time when Pakistan cricket is already facing questions over selection, coaching and player management.

The decision to release senior players such as Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq created considerable debate. Changes to the coaching staff immediately before the final Test added to the sense of instability.

The latest report now raises another question: what prompted the PCB to take players’ phones into custody?

At present, that question does not have a confirmed answer.

There has been speculation that the development could be connected to anti-corruption procedures. But neither the NDTV report nor the cited Pakistani media report establishes that connection. The reported investigation could relate to another internal matter.

For that reason, claims about match-fixing, illegal communication or other wrongdoing should not be treated as established facts.

PCB under pressure to provide clarity

The PCB is likely to face increasing pressure to clarify the situation if the reported phone custody continues to attract attention.

A transparent explanation could help distinguish an ordinary team-management measure from a formal investigation involving players.

The board has already taken major decisions during the England tour, including releasing seven players and changing two members of the coaching staff. Any further disciplinary action or investigation could have significant implications for Pakistan’s team environment.

For now, however, the facts remain limited: Pakistani media have reported that players’ phones were taken into PCB custody, and a report has claimed that an investigation is under way. The subject of that investigation has not been publicly established.

Pakistan’s immediate priority remains the third Test against England. With the series already lost, the visitors will be hoping the reshuffled squad can respond on the field and prevent a 3-0 defeat.

But until the PCB explains what prompted the reported phone action, the latest episode will remain another unanswered question surrounding a troubled Pakistan cricket campaign.