According to Pakistani 365 News, the players’ devices have been handed over to the PCB and will remain with the board until the conclusion of the final Test. Players are expected to place their devices in secure storage before entering such areas. The information potentially covered by such a request is wide-ranging.

There has been no confirmation that the PCB’s action in England is connected to an integrity investigation involving corruption, betting or match-fixing.

The PCB could also have separate powers arising from player contracts, team regulations or internal disciplinary procedures.

After heavy defeats in the opening two Tests, the PCB overhauled the squad mid-series.

Seven players were sent back to Pakistan, and the coaching staff was reshuffled ahead of the Edgbaston finale.

For now, however, the precise reason behind the move remains unclear.

Until the PCB provides an explanation, it cannot be established whether the phone custody is linked to an internal disciplinary matter, team regulations or any formal integrity-related process.