Mickey Arthur removed as Pakistan cricket team coach
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to remove head coach Mickey Arthur and his support staff, following the side's fifth-place finish at the ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. The PCB announced on Wednesday that it has ended its association with Arthur, bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, batting coach Grant Flower and trainer Grant Luden. Here's more.
Arthur sacked as Pakistan cricket team coach
PCB issues statement after meeting last Friday
"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," a release issued by the board stated.
PCB set to begin a recruitment process
The PCB is set to begin a recruitment process to find fresh candidates ahead of Pakistan's next assignment against Sri Lanka in October. Mani stated that it was unanimously decided that it was the right time to infuse fresh leadership into the team. He thanked the committee - which included former captains Mishbah-ul-Haq and Wasim Akram weighing in - for its findings and recommendations.
I am happy to accept the committee's strong recommendations: Mani
"I am thankful to the PCB Cricket Committee for submitting their recommendations following an exhaustive and detailed review process. The committee comprised individuals who possess tremendous acumen, experience and knowledge. I am happy to accept their strong recommendations," said Mani.
Arthur had sought two more years to deliver results
Earlier, it was reported that Arthur had sought two more years to deliver "remarkable results" after PCB's Cricket Committee reviewed the side's performance over the last three years. The report added, Arthur had some negative things to say about Sarfaraz Ahmed's captaincy skills to the members, besides asking for a two-year extension. But Mani the Cricket Committee felt it was time to move on.
Mani thanks Arthur and the support staff
"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," added Mani.
A look at Arthur's tenure as PCB decides on overhaul
Arthur took over the mantle in mid-2016. Under his tenure, Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. The team also grabbed the number one spot in the ICC's T20 Rankings. Pakistan's performance in Test cricket dipped drastically and in ODIs too they kept struggling. This meant that he had to go and the 2019 World Cup was a final nail in the coffin.
