Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Pakistan has taken a step forward towards overhauling its structure and has started with coaching department, as the board on Wednesday, 7th August, confirmed that the contracts of the current national coaches will not be renewed.
The board has decided to not renew the contracts of head coach Mickey Arthur, bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, batting coach Grant Flower and trainer Grant Luden. The PCB also said that they will "advertise the four available roles and will invite high-level applications from interested candidates" to fill in the vacant positions.
The PCB Chairman, Ehsan Mani, said the board has taken the decision after a meeting of the Cricket Committee on Friday where all the members recommended for a change in the coaching personnel.
Mani told reporters on Wednesday, “I am thankful to the PCB Cricket Committee for submitting their recommendations following an exhaustive and detailed review process. The committee comprised of 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.”
He further added, “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. The PCB remains committed to its fans and followers and we will do our utmost to ensure that we make decisions that continue to move Pakistan cricket forward in all formats.”
In 2016, Arthur was appointed as head coach of the Pakistan team following the exit of Waqar Younis, who stepped down from the position after a below-par performance from the team in the 2016 edition of the T20 WC. Flower had joined the team as batting coach two years before Arthur's appointment while Mahmood was included in the coaching set up in November 2016.
Pakistan won Champions Trophy title in 2017 and attained the No. 1 spot in T20Is while they were temporarily ranked No. 1 in Test cricket under Arthur who joined the set-up in 2016.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
