Sarfaraz Ahmed Breaks ICC Rules During IND vs PAK U19 WC Match

India and Pakistan faced off in the final Super Sixes game of the ongoing ICC U19 World Cup in Bulawayo. The match was crucial, as both teams’ chances of qualifying for the semi-finals depended on the outcome. However, the game drew attention for a different reason: Pakistan U19 head coach, and one of the best wicket-keepers in the world, of his time, Sarfaraz Khan, was reportedly seen breaking a major ICC rule while in the dressing room with his team.

Sarfaraz Ahmed Mobile Phone Controversy During IND vs PAK U19 World Cup

For the fans who missed the first innings of IND U19 vs PAK U19, the camera panned to Pakistan's dressing room after the 25th over, where Pakistan U19 head coach Sarfaraz Khan was caught using his mobile phone. The International Cricket Council (ICC) doesn't allow any of the team members or even support staff to use any communication device during the ongoing match, as it may be used for cheating or even fixing games.

It would be interesting to see if ICC would take any action against Sarfaraz or not. There are high possibilities of the match referee or ICC officials intervening in the matter. The dressing room is a part of the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA), and the ICC has banned the use of mobile phones in PMOA.

What Are the ICC Rules on the Use of Communication Devices?

The cricket governing body has made strict rules against the use of any communication devices during an ongoing match, which makes this matter a concerning thing for Sarfaraz Khan using a phone during the match. The following ICC Code of Conduct shows which things are prohibited in the PMOA area.

• 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.
• 4.1.2 No person shall be allowed to use and/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

• 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.

  However, the former Pakistan captain can still avoid the sanction from ICC as there is one clause that says that one manager from the team can carry a mobile phone for official work.