The drama of Pakistani cricket never ceases to astound the sports world. A fresh development is said to have occurred after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced major sackings, including a number of players and coaches, before to the third Test match against England.
Prior to the third and final match versus England at Egbaston, it has been reported that the board has confiscated the cell phones of the Pakistani squad members. According to several Pakistani media outlets, the cell phones would stay with the PCB till the Edgbaston Test is finished.
The players that had to make this sacrifice have not been made public, and the PCB has not released a statement outlining the rationale for the action. It is unexpected that a board has completely eliminated the use of cell phones in professional cricket, even though there are still certain limits.
During an international match, players and other team members are prohibited by ICC regulations from using or carrying cell phones or other communication devices inside specific restricted locations, like dressing rooms.
Article 4 of the ICC regarding the use of mobile phones and other communication devices:
4.1.1 No one is permitted to use or carry a mobile device in the PMOA for any purpose, including Internet access;
4.1.2 No one is permitted to use or carry a laptop computer (or any other comparable communication device) in the PMOA for any purpose, including Internet access; and
4.1.3 No one is permitted to use any landline, static, or comparable phone that can receive or make calls from outside the PMOA.
Nevertheless, PCB’s actions don’t appear to align with the conventional ICC approach.