The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) are locked in a heated dispute over alleged breaches of protocol during a recent match in Dubai. The latest salvo in the handshake controversy centres on Pakistan’s team media manager using a mobile phone in the Players & Match Officials Area (PMOA), which ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta highlighted as a violation of anti-corruption guidelines on Thursday.As reported by TimesofIndia.com, the PCB has defended its position, responding to the ICC. “The team’s media manager is part of the squad and has authorised access to the PMOA. His presence there is not a violation. ICC protocols include provisions that allow media managers to use cameras,” the PCB stated. However, this defence appears shaky as PMOA regulations strictly prohibit mobile phone usage in this restricted zone, even by media managers.
The incident occurred during a meeting called by match referee Andy Pycroft with Pakistan team officials, including captain Salman Ali Agha, coach Mike Hesson, manager Naveed Cheema, and media manager Naeem Gillani. ICC General Manager Wasim Khan was also present. The PCB media manager recorded this meeting, which discussed the earlier handshake controversy surrounding players from India and Pakistan.The PCB had previously demanded Pycroft’s removal and claimed he apologised during this meeting about the handshake incident. However, as TimesofIndia.com had reported, there was no apology. Instead, regret was expressed for any possible miscommunication with Pakistan captain and coach. The PCB later shared the video footage without audio on social media.What is PMOA and what are the rules regarding mobile phones?
Andy Pycroft (R) takes team sheet from the Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha before the match against the UAE in the Asia Cup. (PTI)
As per ICC’s minimum standards for players and match officials areas (PMOA) at international matches, definition of a mobile device is: any portable device (including, without limitation, a personal digital assistant (PDA), blackberry, mobile phone, smartwatch, tablet computer) which is capable of connecting to or using any mobile telecommunications or WiFI technology to enable or facilitate transmission of textual material, data, voice, video or multimedia services.Article 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.”Exceptions to the above rule is mentioned in Article 4.2 with relevant clauses being:4.2.1 each team manager shall be permitted to carry a Mobile Device within the PMOA, provided that it can only be used either: (a) by him/her for cricket operations purposes; and/or (b) by any Player or Player Support Personnel for any important personal matter, provided that the team manager has given his express permission to the Player or Player Support Personnel before such use;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 onto silent mode at all times whilst such individual is in the PMOA and must not be used for any purpose, either inside or outside the PMOA at the venue, other than in the case of a security emergency;Further, to avoid any doubt, “any team manager who uses his laptop computer (or any other similar communication device) other than for cricket operations purposes of a logistical or administrative nature (for example, for personal use) shall automatically be in breach of Article 4.2.5,” says the rule book.Meanwhile, tension continues to build as the PCB has yet to provide evidence supporting their demand for an inquiry into the handshake controversy, despite the ICC’s request for documentation. This ongoing drama could intensify as India and Pakistan prepare to face off in their second Asia Cup clash on Sunday.
