Sarfaraz Ahmed’s use of phone during India vs Pakistan match in Under-19 World Cup raises questions over ICC rules: The Under-19 World Cup is in the knockout stage, with two teams from Group 1, Australia Under-19 and Afghanistan Under-19, qualifying for the semi-finals. Only two slots remain to be filled. England also top the Super 6 table; However, Sunday’s match between India Under-19 and Pakistan Under-19 will decide the fate of Group 2.
In the run-up to the India vs Pakistan Under-19 match, a controversy has erupted over Pakistan Under-19 team mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed, who was caught using a mobile phone near the dressing room. There is a rule that ICC strictly prohibits the use of communication devices inside the dressing room to prevent match fixing and maintain the integrity of the game.
Are mobile phones allowed in the dressing room?
According to the ICC Handbook of Rules, “4.1 Strictly subject to the exceptions set out in Article 4.2, the following prohibitions will apply from the moment the first player of any participating team enters the PMOA for an International Match until the formal conclusion of the day’s play: 4.1.1 No person shall be permitted to use and/or carry any mobile device for any reason, whether to access the internet or otherwise, in the PMOA.”
“4.1.2 No person shall be allowed to use and/or carry any laptop computer (or any other similar communication device) in the PMOA for any reason, whether to access the Internet or otherwise; and 4.1.3 No person shall be permitted to use any fixed/landline (or similar) telephone capable of making calls from inside the PMOA or receiving calls from outside.”
Who can use mobile phones in the dressing room?
According to Article 4.2 “Unless previously agreed by the ICC Anti-Corruption Manager, the only exceptions to the above restrictions are: 4.2.1 Each Team Manager shall be permitted to carry a mobile device within the PMOA, provided that it may only be used either: (a) by him for cricket operations purposes; and/or (b) by any Player or Player Support Personnel for any vital personal matter, provided that the Team Manager has The player or player support personnel must have given their express permission prior to such use.
The rule further states, “4.2.2 Each Team Media Manager shall be permitted to carry one mobile device within the PMOA, but any such device must be turned on silent mode at all times while such person is in the PMOA and 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 PMOA, but any such device must be turned on silent mode at all times while such person is in the PMOA and must not be used for any purpose, inside or outside the PMOA, except in the case of a security emergency.”
What punishment did ICC give to Sarfaraz Ahmed for using mobile phone?
ICC can look into this matter and investigate the fact of use of mobile phones inside the dressing room during the ongoing match. If found guilty, serious action can be taken from Pakistan and against Sarfaraz Ahmed, because former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed does not stay away from controversies. Sarfaraz Ahmed yawning in the India vs Pakistan game in the 2019 ICC World Cup, where Sarfaraz Ahmed was criticized, until now, over using a mobile phone.
According to the rule, violations of the anti-corruption code, including failing to surrender or using a device, can result in significant sanctions, with a maximum lifetime ban for the most serious offenses for Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Also read: Pakistan’s Mohammad Sayyam brutally attacked Indian batsmen in the IND U19 vs PAK U19 match.
