Former head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, Mickey Arthur, has arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Arthur is expected to be appointed as the team’s consultant director and will stay with the national men’s side until April 20 before departing for England, where he serves as head coach of Derbyshire County Cricket Club.
Arthur previously served as head coach of the Pakistan team from 2016 to 2019, during which Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. However, the PCB decided not to renew Arthur’s contract following the team’s fifth-place finish at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019.
The PCB has been in talks with Arthur to appoint him as head coach for the ACC Asia Cup, ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, Arthur’s long-term contract with Derbyshire has led to discussions about him acting as a consultant to the team on a time-sharing basis with Derbyshire.
Arthur has promised to join the team in India for the 50-over ICC World Cup later this year. Meanwhile, he will continue working for Derbyshire County Cricket Club as a full-time coach and won’t be available during the English domestic season.
Derbyshire secured the services of Arthur until the end of the 2025 season in December 2022. Grant Bradburn has been named head coach of the Pakistan team for the ongoing limited-overs series against New Zealand, which includes five ODIs and as many T20Is.
Arthur’s arrival in Islamabad marks his first meeting with the national team, during which he will discuss plans with captain Babar Azam and other players. Pakistan will play the last two T20Is against New Zealand in Rawalpindi on April 20 and 24.
The chairman of the PCB management committee, Najam Sethi, hinted at Arthur’s possible return last month, stating that the decision regarding his appointment would be made soon. Sethi also addressed concerns about Arthur’s appointment, including questions about his competence and ability to manage long distances.
Overall, Arthur’s arrival in Islamabad marks a significant development in the PCB’s plans to appoint him as the team’s consultant director. Despite concerns about his long-term contract with Derbyshire, Arthur has promised to join the team for the upcoming ICC World Cup in India, demonstrating his commitment to the Pakistan cricket team.
