Mickey Arthur's dual role as Pakistan and Karachi Kings' head coach raises questions

Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has come under the scanner for his dual role as coach of the national team as well as PSL side Karachi Kings. This issue comes close on the heels of a high-profile name having to recently give up roles of responsibility in Pakistan’s lucrative T20 league since questions about potential conflicts of interest were raised. Similarly, Azhar Mahmood also faces an issue – he is currently Pakistan’s bowling coach, while also being involved with the Karachi Kings.

Last month, the PCB got rid of chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq from the PSL player draft committee. This decision was taken because there was a possibility of a conflict of interest – Inzamam has been part of a talent-hunt programme run for the Lahore Qalandars which is another franchise in the PSL.

The PCB‘s new chairman Ehsan Mani has mentioned that he will analyse these cases of conflict of interest on a “case-by-case” basis. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, he said, “I know commitments have already been made and contracts have already been signed so you can’t enter and break them overnight. But if there is a conflict of interest that effects Pakistan cricket, of course, I will get into it.”

“In terms of him [Arthur] and others involved with PSL franchises we will look case by case on merit basis and will raise [the issue] with them and consult with people concerned,” he said of Mickey Arthur’s case.

How did Arthur take on this dual role?

Back in 2016, when he took over Waqar Younis‘ role of Pakistan head coach, Mickey Arthur was already the head coach of the Karachi Kings. He had negotiated a contract with then PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan to allow him to take on both roles.

However, there were no changes made to this agreement when he renewed his contract as Pakistan coach until the 2019 World Cup. The South African has been with the Karachi Kings in all three seasons of the PSL so far and is set to continue in his role for the next edition as well. Despite the controversy surrounding his dual role, Mickey Arthur has maintained that this shouldn’t raise issues of a conflict of interest.

Back in 2016, he had told ESPNcricinfo, “I see absolutely no conflict at all and in fact see it as a massive benefit because it allows me to see all the best young talent available. I certainly am professional enough not to in any way be biased in selections or opinions on any player because at the end of the day I am here to assist Pakistan cricket and make Pakistan cricket the best and I am not going to jeopardize that in any way.”

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