PCB looking for a foreign coach to replace Mickey Arthur

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced it will be immediately undertaking a robust recruitment process after it decided not to renew the contracts of head coach Mickey Arthur, bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, batting coach Grant Flower and trainer Grant Luden. The PCB Cricket Committee, which met on Friday, were unanimous in their recommendations for the change.

The recommendations were forwarded and discussed with the PCB Chairman, Ehsan Mani. As part of the recruitment process, the PCB will now advertise the four available roles and will invite high-level applications from interested candidates. Mani thanked the PCB Cricket Committee for their review and was also effusive in praise of the coaching staff which worked hard during the World Cup.

Pakistan ended the mega event at the fifth position when many didn’t give them a chance after losing to India. Losing to West Indies in their tournament opener cost the team eventually but the performance improved a lot in the latter part of the World Cup.

Mr Ehsan Mani said: “I am thankful to the PCB Cricket Committee for submitting their recommendations following an exhaustive and detailed review process. The committee comprised of individuals who possess tremendous acumen, experience and knowledge. 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.

“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 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.”

PCB wanted Arthur to continue

The sources suggest that the PCB wanted Mickey Arthur to continue till T20 World Cup 2020, but he is interested in applying for England and Bangladesh head coach roles. According to sources, PCB is looking for a foreign head coach, but the board wants former Pakistan cricketers to take up batting, bowling, fielding coach roles.

– By Abdul Ghaffar