Karachi:The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided against renewing the contracts of Mickey Arthur and his support staff, following the team’s fifth-place finish at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019.
PCB announced on Wednesday that it has ended its association with the head coach, as well as the bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, batting coach Grant Flower and trainer Grant Luden.
The decision comes following a review process undertaken in the aftermath of the World Cup, where Pakistan failed to reach the semifinals.
“The PCB Cricket Committee members, who met on Friday, were unanimous in their recommendations for the change,” a PCB press release said. “The recommendations were forwarded and discussed with the PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani.”
With the trio now out, the PCB will begin a recruitment process to find fresh candidates ahead of Pakistan’s next international fixture, against Sri Lanka in October. Thanking the committee – which included former captains Mishbah-ul-Haq and Wasim Akram weighing in – for its findings and recommendations, Mani said that it was unanimously decided that the time was right to infuse fresh leadership into the team.
“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. The unanimous recommendation of the Committee was that it was time for new leadership and a fresh approach. I am happy to accept their strong recommendations.
“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.”
Arthur has been in charge of the team for three years now, having taken up the mantle in 2016. His exit comes in the wake of rumours that he is eyeing the England coaching job once incumbent head coach Trevor Bayliss’ run ends at the conclusion of the Ashes series.
Arthur’s tenure with the Pakistan side has been a mixed one, featuring several bumps but equally memorable highs, none bigger than the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 triumph in England and the rise to the top of the ICC T20I Team Rankings – a position they hold to date.
Arthur’s current contract ends on August 15, after which the PCB is expected to advertise for all four posts.