Former Pakistan men’s cricket team’s head coach Mickey Arthur has defended the players after the historic loss by an innings and 47 runs in Multan to England. Arthur feels that players need a structure and consistency in selection to perform.
Arthur took to X and wrote: “Just a few thoughts as a follower of Pakistan cricket! 1. The players are very very skilled and are the right one's. 2. The inconsistency around selection, environment and administration plays a role in team morale, give the players structure and they will perform!”
Arthur bashed the media for running their agendas. He also blamed the players' agents and media for making them feel more important than they are in reality.
He added: “3. The vile rhetoric from media and media driven agendas do not help! 4. The promotion of players by player agents or media makes the player sometimes think he is way more important than he is in reality creating a false view! 5. Playing for Pakistan should be the best time ever!”
Earlier this month, Babar Azam stepped down as captain from limited-overs formats. Meanwhile, Shan Masood’s captaincy has been under fire as well. Under Masood’s leadership, Pakistan are yet to win a Test.
Arthur’s tenure as Pakistan team’s head coach
Arthur joined as Pakistan's coach in 2016. He helped Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Pakistan win the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. In 2019 after the early exit from ODI World Cup 2019, his contract wasn't renewed. Ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, he was recalled. After dismal performance in ODI World Cup 2023, he resigned from the post.
Additions to selection committee
After an embarrassing defeat in Multan, Pakistan Cricket Board made additions to the selection commitee. Umpire Aleem Dar and former players Aaqib Javed and Azhar Ali were added to the panel. Others on the selection commitee are Asad Shafiq, analyst Hassan Cheema, the captain and the coach (depending on the format of the game). All seven members have a vote. The non-voting membors are assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi's advisor Bilal Afzal, High Performance Director Nadeem Khan and Director of international cricket Usman Wahla.
