“I am extremely disappointed and hurt”: Mickey Arthur

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced in a media release that they wouldn’t continue with the head coach Mickey Arthur, as well as the bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, batting coach Grant Flower and trainer Grant Luden. The decision was taken after seeing Pakistan’s poor show in the recently concluded ICC World Cup.

“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 endeavours,” said Ehsan Mani, PCB chairman.

However, Mickey Arthur wasn’t happy with the fact and shared he was “disappointed and hurt”. He further shared that he had done his best with Pakistan Team.

“I am extremely disappointed and hurt,” said Mickey Arthur told AFP soon after the Pakistan Cricket Board announced the news. “I did my wholehearted effort to lift Pakistan cricket.”

Arthur, whose contract had expired after the World Cup, asked for a two-year extension but his extension wasn’t granted. Their new coaching staff will be appointed after assessing their performance at the World Cup by a four-member committee.

“The committee comprised of individuals who possess tremendous acumen, experience and knowledge,” Mani said. “The unanimous recommendation of the committee was that it was time for new leadership and a fresh approach.”

However, Mickey Arther is on the list of names for England’s next coach after Trevor Bayliss who is going to leave the team after the ongoing Ashes Test series.

Pakistan were unlucky as they missed the semi-final berth to New Zealand. Both had similar points, 11 but the Kiwis had the superior net run-rate.

Under Arther’s guidance, Pakistan reached the top of the Test rankings. Also, they won the Champions Trophy in England in June 2017. Arthur said, that win “brought on a whole new team of young players”.

“We also became world number one in Twenty20 cricket in this period, which was an achievement,” he added.

However, Pakistan won 10 out of 28 Tests under Mickey Arthur, lost 17 and drawing one while they won 29 of 66 ODIs, losing 34 where three were no-results.