On expected lines, controversy has struck in the India vs Pakistan match in the Under-19 ODI World Cup 2026. Sarfaraz Ahmed, who’s part of Pakistan’s support staff, disregarded the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rules that restrict the usage of ‘mobile devices’ in the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA).
No mobile devices allowed
The ICC has set strict rules against the use of electronic devices like mobile phones and laptops in the player’s dugout. “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,” ICC’s 4.2.1 code reads.
After the visual emerged, social media was set ablaze. How was Sarfaraz, a mentor, allowed to flout the rules? The ICC was demanded to step in and conduct an investigation.
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However, what people didn’t realise was that Sarfaraz has been wearing two hats. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given him a dual role for the Under-19 ODI World Cup. Apart from serving as a mentor, Sarfaraz is also the team manager of the Pakistani team.
As per the ICC’s rules, a team manager is permitted to use a mobile device in the PMOA. Therefore, Sarfaraz was well within his rights to carry a phone and use it, granted it was for cricket-related purposes.
“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,” ICC’s 4.2.1 code reads.
