If reports from Pakistan are to be believed, current Derbyshire County head coach Mickey Arthur is set to be re-appointed as the coach of Pakistan but in a significantly different capacity. Arthur, who was a part of the Pakistan set-up from 2016 to 2019, is touted to return to the side, albeit as an 'online head coach' so that he can continue his job with the England-based county side Derbyshire, for whom he is a full-time coach. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will separately appoint Arthur’s assistant, who will be in charge of the team on the ground in his absence
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi voiced his opinion on the reported decision taken by the country's cricket board.
"The concept of online coaching by a foreign coach for the national team is beyond comprehension; every era has the personal likes and dislikes of the captain to sustain Pakistan cricket. It will be necessary to work at the grassroots to provide the best training to the budding players," Cricket Pakistan quoted Afridi as saying.
Arthur's contract expired in 2019, after which it was not renewed by the PCB. Under his tutelage, the Pakistan team defeated India in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy and also won the triangular series involving Zimbabwe and Australia. The Men in Green also registered a record 11 consecutive T20I series.
The South African cricketer is a renowned head coach, having coached some top teams like South Africa, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka on the international stage.
Arthur joined Derbyshire ahead of the 2022 season and played a crucial role in helping them turn their form around during his first campaign in charge. He achieved a club-record nine wins during the 2022 group stage of the T20 World Cup.
Earlier, newly appointed PCB chief Najam Sethi had said in a press conference that Arthur’s return as Pakistan coach was very much on the cards.
“I want to make it clear I am in direct negotiations with Mickey and I think 90 per cent of the discussions. We have covered many areas and very soon we may give you good news. “If Mickey comes he will be making his own team and we will only find how much we need to pay them and this matter will be resolved in 2-3 days,” Sethi had told a news conference.
