India and Pakistan locked horns in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo with a semifinal spot on the line.

The gripping contest saw India put 252-all out in their allotted 50 overs. The Pakistani bowlers did a good job, but the Boys in Blue kept the fight on and posted a competitive total on the board.

During the high-stake fixture, Pakistan U-19 coach Sarfaraz Ahmed came under severe scrutiny after being spotted with mobile phone in the players’ area.

After the 25th over in the first innings, the camera caught Sarfaraz using a mobile phone. As per the ICC rules, use of electronic communication devices inside the Player and Match Officials Areas (PMOA) is prohibited.

Hence, it is likely that the match referee and ICC might intervene and take action against Sarfaraz.

As per the rules of ICC handbook, “4.1 Subject strictly to the exceptions set out in Article 4.2, the following prohibitions shall apply from the moment that the first Player of any participating team enters the PMOA for an International Matchright through until the formal conclusion of the day’s play: 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 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; and 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.”

As per the article, 4.2 “Unless otherwise agreed by the ICC Anti-Corruption Manager in advance, the only exceptions to the above prohibitions are: 4.2.1 each team manager shall be permitted to carry a Mobile Device  within the PMOA, provided that it can only be used either: (a) by him/her for cricket operations purposes; and/or (b) by any Player or Player Support Personnel for any important personal matter, provided that the team manager has given his express permission to the Player or Player Support Personnel before such use.”

The rule further states, “4.2.2 each team media manager shall be permitted to carry a Mobile Device within the PMOA but any such device must be turned onto silent mode at all times whilst such individual is in the PMOA and must not be used for any purpose inside the PMOA.

“4.2.3 each team security manager shall be permitted to carry a Mobile Device within the PMOA but any such device must be turned onto silent mode at all times whilst such individual is in the PMOA and must not be used for any purpose, either inside or outside the PMOA at the venue, other than in the case of a security emergency.”

The ICC might investigate the matter and find out the reason of using the mobile phone inside the dressing room during the match. In case found guilty, there might be serious actions taken against the Pakistan side and Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Coming to the match, Pakistan U-19 collapsed from 151/2 to 194 all-out to lose the match by 58 runs. As a result, the Ayush Mhatre-led Indian side joined Australia, Afghanistan and England in the semifinals.