Introduction
In a candid interview, former Pakistan cricket team director, Mickey Arthur, sheds light on the tumultuous events that led to his departure and the subsequent restructuring of the team’s coaching staff. From the World Cup exit to the controversial decisions that followed, Arthur delves into the challenges faced by Pakistan cricket and his concerns for its future.
Heading for Australia: As preparations for Pakistan’s Test tour of Australia were underway, Arthur found himself in a surprising turn of events. The aftermath of Pakistan’s underwhelming World Cup campaign prompted a performance review at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Little did Arthur know that this meeting would set off a chain reaction reshaping the fate of Pakistan cricket.
The Shocking Decision: During the review, Zaka Ashraf, the PCB management committee head, dropped a bombshell. The entire support staff and captain, including Arthur and team manager Rehan ul Haq, were to be replaced. The abruptness of the decision left Arthur baffled and marked the beginning of a tumultuous period for Pakistan cricket.
Enters Mohammad Hafeez
Enter Mohammad Hafeez: The restructuring saw former Pakistan allrounder Mohammad Hafeez taking over as both team director and head coach for the tours of Australia and New Zealand. Despite lacking coaching or management experience, Hafeez assumed the dual role, consolidating responsibilities that were previously divided between Arthur and head coach Grant Bradburn.
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Contractual Constraints: Arthur, currently two years into a four-year contract with Derbyshire, highlighted the challenges he faced in juggling his roles. His arrangement with the PCB allowed him to continue his job at Derbyshire while appointing a team to work with him as team director. However, this led to his absence during significant portions of Pakistan’s campaigns, especially during the English county season.
Babar Azam’s Ouster: In the same performance review that shook the coaching staff, Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain in all formats, faced removal. The official version claimed he was only being removed from ODI and T20I captaincy, a point disputed by many. The ambiguity surrounding Babar’s situation added to the chaos in Pakistan cricket.
Zaka Ashraf defended the decision, portraying Hafeez as a patriot with ample cricketing experience. Ashraf argued that Arthur was coaching online due to contractual obligations with Derbyshire, making it challenging for him to be physically present. However, Arthur countered, emphasizing the impracticality of coaching through Zoom.
The Charade Unveiled
Arthur dismissed the review as a charade and revealed that Hafeez was already present at the PCB offices during the meeting. The coaching staff did not resign immediately, as their contracts included a three-month termination settlement. The PCB’s offer of reassignment was deemed impossible, leading to the departure of the coaching team.
New Management, Same Struggles: The appointment of a new management team, including Adam Holliake and Umar Gul, failed to turn the tide for Pakistan. They faced a disappointing tour, losing to Australia 3-0 in the Test series and being swept aside 4-1 by New Zealand in the T20Is. The instability continued as Ashraf resigned, leaving the PCB without elected leadership.
Diminished Enthusiasm: Despite Arthur not ruling out a return to Pakistan, he admitted a waning enthusiasm for the country’s cricket. Expressing disappointment in the current state of Pakistan cricket, he highlighted the lack of support structures for talented players, leading to insecurity and individual-focused performances rather than a cohesive team effort.
Conclusion
Mickey Arthur’s revelations provide insights into the internal strife within Pakistan cricket, from the sudden coaching staff overhaul to the challenges faced by players. As Pakistan cricket navigates through uncertain waters, the concerns raised by Arthur shed light on the need for stability and support to harness the potential of the talented players within the squad.