Sarfaraz Ahmed‘s usage of the phone during the U-19 World Cup India vs Pakistan game raises questions over ICC rules: The U-19 World Cup is in the knockout stages, with two teams from Group 1, Australia U-19 and Afghanistan U-19, qualified for the semi-finals. Only two slots are left to be filled. England is also at the top of the Super 6 table; however, the match between India U-19 and Pakistan U-19, which is ongoing on Sunday, will decide the fate of Group 2.
In the turn of events, of the India vs Pakistan U-19 game, there has been a controversy arising with Pakistan U-19 team mentor, Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has been caught using a mobile phone near the dressing room. There is a rule that ICC strictly bans the use of communication devices inside the dressing room to prevent match-fixing and maintain the integrity of the game.
Are mobile phones allowed inside the dressing room?
As per the rules of ICC handbook, “4.1 Subject strictly to the exceptions set out in Article 4.2, the following prohibitions shall apply from the moment that the first Playerof any participating team enters the PMOAfor an International Matchright through until the formal conclusion of the day’s play: 4.1.1 no person shall be allowed to use and/or carry any Mobile Device for any reason whatsoever, whether to access the Internet or otherwise, in the PMOA.”
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“4.1.2 no person shall be allowed to use and/or or carry, any laptop computer (or any other similar communication device) for any reason whatsoever, whether to access the Internet or otherwise, in the PMOA; and 4.1.3 no person shall be allowed to use any static / landline (or similar) telephone capable of making calls from inside or receiving calls from outside the PMOA.”
Who can use mobile phones in the dressing room?
As per the article, 4.2 “Unless otherwise agreed by the ICC Anti-Corruption Managerin advance, the only exceptions to the above prohibitions are: 4.2.1 each team manager shall be permitted to carry a Mobile Devicewithin the PMOA, provided that it can only be used either: (a) by him/her for cricket operations purposes; and/or (b) by any Playeror Player Support Personnelfor any important personal matter, provided that the team manager has given his express permission to the Playeror Player Support Personnelbefore such use.”
The rule further states, “4.2.2 each team media manager shall be permitted to carry a Mobile Devicewithin the PMOAbut any such device must be turned onto silent mode at all times whilst such individual is in the PMOAand must not be used for any purpose inside the PMOA.
“4.2.3 each team security manager shall be permitted to carry a Mobile Device within the PMOAbut any such device must be turned onto silent mode at all times whilst such individual is in the PMOAand must not be used for any purpose, either inside or outside the PMOAat the venue, other than in the case of a security emergency.”
What punishment ICC provide to Sarfaraz Ahmed for using a mobile phone?
The ICC might look into this matter and check out the fact of using the mobile phone inside the dressing room during an ongoing match. In case found guilty, there might be serious actions taken against the Pakistan side and Sarfaraz Ahmed, as the former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed does not stay away from controversy. Sarfaraz Ahmed yawning back in 2019 ICC World Cup in the India vs Pakistan game, where Sarfaraz Ahmed was criticised, to now, using mobile phones.
As per the rule violations of the Anti-Corruption Code, including failing to surrender a device or using it, can result in significant bans, with a potential maximum of a life ban for the most serious offences for Sarfaraz Ahmed.
