The crucial India vs. Pakistan U-19 match took a surprising turn when Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was noticed using his mobile phone in the team dressing room. The first inning of the match witnessed an incident that raised doubts about whether the ICC rules were flouted. India went into the match aware that a big defeat could jeopardize their semi-final prospects. The match became intense as both teams were under immense pressure to win. Sarfaraz's actions have turned into a discussion topic among people who are watching the situation. Cameras showed Sarfaraz using his mobile phone. The incident happened after the 25th over of the first innings for viewers who missed that moment. The broadcast camera focused on Pakistan’s dressing room, where Sarfaraz Ahmed was clearly seen using a mobile phone. The ICC prohibits all communication devices from entering the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) through its established rules. The rules exist to stop teams from using external information during the game to gain an unfair advantage. The PMOA regulations permit Sarfaraz's phone usage to be examined because he used it in the dressing room area which belongs to that territory. The match referee and ICC now have the authority to investigate the situation. Also Read | Australia’s T20 World Cup Squad 2026 vs 2024: 4 Big Names Missing ICC Rules on Use of Devices Inside PMOA The ICC prohibits all mobile devices including mobile phones from entering the PMOA area which extends from the beginning of the match. The regulations state that nobody is authorized to bring mobile devices or laptops into this restricted area at any time including when they require internet access. The regulations control access to PMOA starting from the first player entry until the conclusion of the match broadcast. The purpose is to ensure fair play and stop any form of outside influence during the match. Organizations face different penalties which range from warnings to fines to additional actions based on how serious their transgressions are. Clause That Could Save Sarfaraz Ahmed The ICC maintains strict rules yet they permit one specific situation to occur as an exception. The regulations permit a team manager to bring one mobile phone into PMOA for all official cricket duties according to their established rules. The device can also be used in urgent personal situations, but only with the manager’s permission. A team media manager may carry a phone, but it must stay on silent mode and cannot be used inside the PMOA. Sarfaraz faces no punishment if he used the phone for official team duties because he operated under this particular exception. The match referee needs to examine everything before determining if this leads to punishment for the Pakistan team. Match Situation Remains Tense The field generates continuing pressure on both players. India made 252 and given a modest target to Pakistan. Both teams required to win because they were vying for semi-final spots at that moment. The incident has increased tension between the two teams which will face off in their ICC match.