Pakistan parts ways with head coach Mickey Arthur
Mickey Arthur will no longer be Pakistan head coach after the PCB decided not to renew his contract, following their review into the team’s performance at the the 2019 World Cup.
Along with Arthur, batting coach Grant Flower, bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, and trainer Grant Luden were all shown the door, with the PCB Cricket Committee making some “strong recommendations” as part of their review.
“The unanimous recommendation of the committee was that it was time for new leadership and a fresh approach. I am happy to accept their strong recommendations,” Ehsan Mani, PCB’s chairman, said in a statement.
Mickey Arthur has suggested that Sarfaraz be replaced as ?? captain by Shadab Khan in the limited-overs formats, and Babar Azam in Tests – Reportshttps://t.co/VNY4ivM4S5
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) August 5, 2019
“On behalf of the PCB, I want to sincerely thank Mickey Arthur, Grant Flower, Grant Luden and Azhar Mahmood for their hard work and unwavering commitment during their tenures with the national men’s team. We wish them every success in their future endeavors.”
The 51-year-old Arthur was named Pakistan coach in May 2016, replacing Waqar Younis at the helm. Under Arthur’s tutelage, Pakistan clinched the 2017 Champions Trophy, their first major ICC title since the T20 World Cup win in 2009, and also climbed atop the ICC Test rankings in 2016. They are currently the No.1-ranked T20I team.
However, Pakistan failed to make the semi-final of the World Cup, finishing fifth in the league after five wins in nine games. Reports have since emerged that the South African could be considered for the role of England’s head coach, set to be left vacant by Trevor Bayliss, who will sign off after the ongoing Ashes.
The PCB is expected to advertise for the four roles after August 15, the day the tenure of Arthur’s coaching staff officially ends. “The PCB remains committed to its fans and followers and we will do our utmost to ensure that we make decisions that continue to move Pakistan cricket forward in all formats,” Mani added.
