Mickey Arthur set to become Pakistan’s team director: Reports

In the wake of struggling results across formats in international cricket, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are keen to re-unite with South African coach, Mickey Arthur for a second stint. Arthur would be the country’s team director, with the reports earlier stating that the South African would be an ‘online’ cricket coach. 

According to ESPNCricinfo, Arthur won’t be part of the South African setup in person but will have his influence on the team with his select group of support staff. The 54-year-old earlier in the year signed a long-term deal with the English county, Derbyshire. The report further added that Grant Bradburn would be assistant to the South Africa, and would handle all the on-field stuff in Arthur’s absence. 

“I want to make it clear I am in direct negotiations with Mickey and I think 90 percent 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.

Arthur is expected to join the national team for the ODI World Cup, later this year in India. But for the series against Sri Lanka or the Asia Cup, the former South African coach will not be available in person. Arthur was involved with Pakistan cricket during one of their highs, when the team had a massive success in the white-ball formats, winning the 2017 Champions Trophy, over rivals India. 

One of the big decisions that could be on Arthur’s plate up front could be Babar Azam’s captaincy, which in the past has been subject to immense criticism.