‘Hopefully win a World Cup, get us to number one in the world in all formats’ - Micky Arthur reveals his intentions after being appointed as Pakistan’s new team director

After being appointed as Pakistan’s new team director, Micky Arthur talked about his intention and stated that the Babar Azam-led side has enough quality to win a World Cup and to be the number one side in all three formats of the game. The 54-year-old also mentioned that in the last five years, he has followed the team very closely and thus, is aware of where they stand at the moment.

The former Pakistan head coach also opened up about Babar Azam and called him the number-one batter in world cricket right now. However, he believes that the Pakistan skipper has room for improvement and he will work closely with him in order to help the cricketer get better.

“What impressed me most were his hands, the speed of his hands. When Grant Bradburn first told me look at this guy in the nets, I was amazed. I had never seen such hand speed and a talent like him, and the key was to give him opportunities to succeed.

I knew he was going to become a key part of the team. I believe he is the number one batsman right now and he is a wonderful, wonderful talent. I still think he has room for improvement. I will keep challenging him. He is going to be a legend of the game,” Arthur was quoted as saying by News18.

“They say Pakistan stays in your blood; it definitely stays in your blood. I always knew there was a time that I was very emotionally attached to this cricket team, very emotionally attached to this country. It’s a privilege for me; in fact, to come back and help, hopefully win a World Cup, get us to number one in the world in all formats of the game because we certainly have the talent, certainly the players,” he added when asked about his plans for the Pakistan team.

Notably, the Australia international has signed a one-year contract with Pakistan Cricket Board. He was in touch with PCB chief Najam Sethi for quite some time as Arthur finally signed the deal on Thursday, April 20.