Shahid Afridi might continue as chief selector post New Zealand series, Mickey Arthur to take a call on his second stint: Reports

Shahid Afridi might continue as the chief selector of the Pakistan men’s national cricket team after the conclusion of the ongoing bilateral series at home against New Zealand. The former Pakistan captain was named the interim chief selector by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for this series and had only accepted to serve in this position till this particular series.

Meanwhile, the reports further addd that veteran coach Mickey Arthur will be taking a call on whether to come back for a second stint as Pakistan’s head coach after the New Zealand series which concludes on Friday, January 13.

Shahid Afridi has had talks with PCB Chairman Najam Sethi: A PCB source

“Shahid has had talks with PCB Chairman Najam Sethi who had initially convinced him to work as interim chief selector but now discussions have taken place on the possibility of the former captain continuing in the role given that this year Pakistan has two major events — the 50-overs Asia Cup and the World Cup in India,” a PCB source as quoted as saying by PTI.

“Strong possibility that Shahid will be persuaded to continue and chalk out a schedule where he can also give time to his foundation work,” the source added.

“Arthur, who currently has a long contract with Derbyshire county, has asked for some time to consider his options and position and has said he will get back later this month with a solid answer,” another source said.

Arthur had coached Pakistan between 2016 to 2019 and had guided them to their first and only ICC Champions Trophy triumph in 2017 where the Men in Green got the better of arch-rivals India by a mammoth 180 runs.

Under his supervision, Pakistan also became a powerhouse in T20Is as they won 11 consecutive T20I series between 2016 to 2018.

Arthur was sacked from his position after the Men in Green’s disappointing performances in the 2019 World Cup that saw them fail to make the semis despite winning their last four matches of the quadrennial event.

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