The ICC Match Andy Pycroft referee organized a closed door meeting with Captain Pakistan Salman Ali Agh, coach Mike Hesson, manager and media manager before the match against UAE in Asia Cup. The Pakistani cricket council (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) are locked in a dispute over the alleged protocol violation during the recent match in Dubai. The latest Salvo in the controversial Handshake focuses on the Pakistani team media manager using a mobile phone in players and matches (PMOA), which ICC General Sanjog Gupta emphasized as a violation of anti -corruption instructions on Thursday.As Timesofindia.com states, PCB defended its position and responded to ICC. “The team’s media manager is part of the group and has allowed access to PMOA. However, this defense seems shaken because PMOA regulations strictly prohibit the use of a mobile phone in this limited zone, even media managers.
Asia Cup: Handshake Gate, Pakistan Super 4 Input and India vs Pakistan
The incident occurred during a meeting called Judge Andy Pycroft with Pakistan team officials, including Captain Salman Ali Agy, coach Mika Hesson, manager of Navaed Cheem and media manager Naeem Gillani. ICC Director Wasim Khan was also present. PCB Media Manager manager recorded this meeting that discussed the former Handshake controversy surrounding players from India and Pakistan.PCB previously demanded Pycroft removal and claimed that he apologized for the Handshake incident during this meeting. However, as Timesofindia.com reported, there was no apology. Instead, regret was expressed for any possible incorrect communication with the captain and coach of Pakistan. PCB later shared a video without sound on social media.What is PMOA and what are the rules on mobile phones?
Andy Pycroft (R) takes a team sheet from Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agy before the match against UAE in Asia Cup. (PTI)
According to the minimum standards of ICC for areas of players and matches (PMOA) In international matches is the definition of mobile devices: any portable device (including, without restriction, personal digital assistant (PDA), blackberry, mobile phone, smart watch, tablet computer) capable of connecting to any mobile telecommunications or WiFi technology to allow or facilitate text, data, voice, videos or multimedia.Article 4.1.1: “No person may be allowed to use and/or wear any mobile devices for any reason, whether he has access to the Internet or otherwise, in PMOA.”Exceptions to the above rule are given in Article 4.2, with the relevant provisions are:4.2.1 Each team manager is allowed to transmit mobile devices within PMOA, provided that it can only be used: (a) for cricket operations; and/or (b) by any employee of support for a player or player for any important personal matter, provided the team leader gave before such an explicit permission to support the player or player;4.2.3 Each team leader is allowed to transmit mobile devices within PMOA, but any such device must always be converted to silent mode, while such an individual is in PMOA and must not be used for any purpose, inside or outside the place of action than in the case of security need;Furthermore, to avoid any doubt, “any team manager who uses his laptop computer (or any other similar communication device) other than cricket operations on logistics or administrative nature (for example for personal use) will automatically violate Article 4.2.5.”Meanwhile, the tension continues to build because the PCB has to provide evidence supporting their demand for an investigation into a Handshake discussion, despite the ICC request for documentation. This ongoing drama could intensify when India and Pakistan are preparing for Sunday in the second clash of the Asia Cup.
