PCB-ICC tensions escalate over PMOA breach

There is no end to the drama surrounding the Pakistan team in Dubai as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seems grappling to come to terms with its unfulfilled demand for the expulsion of match referee Andy Pycroft. It is now engaged in a war of words with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the September 17 fiasco with the breaches by the Pakistan team of the guidelines in the Players & Match Officials Area (PMOA) area coming to light.

The ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta pointed out the lapses in a letter on Thursday, particularly by the Pakistan team media manager, who was seen using the mobile phone in the PMOA area, a big no as per the anti-corruption guidelines. The PCB, though, has argued that no line was crossed.

"The team's media manager is part of the squad and has authorized access to the PMOA. His presence there is not a violation. ICC protocols include provisions that allow media managers to use cameras. If the SOP was not followed, the ICC should question the match referee on whether he reported the matter to the ACU official," the PCB wrote to the ICC on Friday, a day after the ICC CEO sent the ICC objection to the Pakistan team.

The PCB argument is questionable and seems a little weak on the facts since the mobile phone is not allowed to be used in the PMOA area. The PMOA regulations outline the Media Managers' authority to have possession of their mobile phone, but they are not allowed to use it for any purpose because the PMOA is the most restricted and is considered an inviolate zone in the stadium.

The incident in focus is when Pycroft, whose role in the handshake row had been questioned by the PCB, called for a meeting with the Pakistan team management on Wednesday, just minutes before the delayed match against the UAE at the Dubai International Stadium. Attending the meeting were Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, coach Mike Hesson, manager Naveed Cheema, and media manager Naeem Gillani, along with ICC General Manager Wasim Khan. The meeting was recorded by the media manager.

It was at this brief and impromptu conclave that the PCB claimed Pycroft had apologized to the Pakistan team management over the handshake controversy, although the counter-version maintained that the match referee merely expressed regret over any miscommunication. The PCB later circulated the video of the meeting to the media, albeit without audio.

Earlier, the PCB had demanded an inquiry into the handshake controversy. The ICC responded by asking on what grounds such a probe should be ordered and requested Pakistan to provide any supporting documents. However, sources say the PCB has not submitted any evidence to back its demand.

The last word on the matter may not yet have been spoken, and further drama cannot be ruled out, particularly in the build-up to Sunday's second marquee clash of the ongoing Asia Cup, between India and Pakistan.