Mickey Arthur to be named national team director and consultant, PCB confirms

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi confirmed that Mickey Arthur will be appointed as the national team director and consultant in the next few days. The board was in discussion with Arthur over a possible return as head coach. But now Sethi confirmed the role for Arthur after the latest meeting by PCB on Thursday (February 16).

Saqlain Mustaq's contract as head coach has already ended with the Pakistan team and the management is on the lookout for the last few weeks for a suitable replacement. Bowling coach Shaun Tait is also on his way out and Pakistan cricket is likely to make management changes after the conclusion of the ongoing PSL 2023. 

Arthur, who is currently head coach of county club Derbyshire, had already rejected (reportedly) a job offer from PCB. But the Najam Sethi-led pannel was determined to appoint Arthur in any capacity.

Sethi also revealed that chief selector Haroon Rasheed is consulting with Arthur over the appointment of the support staff for the national men's senior team. He also added that the reason to bring Arthur on board is due to the latter's connection with Pakistan cricket and its players.

“Chief Selector Haroon Rasheed is working with Arthur to finalise the names of the support staff that will work with the national team. He knows our cricket culture and set-up and is respected by the players. As soon as things are finalised, I will ask Mickey to fly down to Pakistan for a meet so that we can get things moving forward,” Sethi told reporters on Thursday as quoted by News18.

Arthur previously held the role with Pakistan from 2016 to 2019 with few successes and a controversial end. He guided Pakistan to the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy title and the team also topped the ICC rankings in Tests and T20Is. However, the board decided not to renew Arthur's contract in August 2019 after the fallout with players. He joined Derbyshire in 2021 after almost a year as head coach of the Sri Lankan team.