Reports: Yasir Arafat appointed Pakistan's bowling coach; to supervise in Mickey Arthur's absence

Former Pakistan cricketer Yasir Arafat has been reportedly appointed as the bowling coach of the men's senior national cricket team by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and will also be in charge of the team in the absence of Mickey Arthur, who will most likely take charge as the team director in the coming days.

It is understood that Arthur is not keen to put an end to his long-term deal with Derbyshire and hence won't be available during the county season. But the South African born is expected to be with the team in person once the county season gets over and during high-profile tournaments like World Cups.

Online-coach saga still rattling Pakistan cricket

There are reports that PCB wants to go ahead with Mickey Arthur as the man-in-charge for the Pakistan senior men's national team but it will be mostly online, provided the temporary unavailability of the 54-year-old due to his commitment to work as the full-time coach for Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

This "online-coaching" concept has caused a lot of stir, especially with many former Pakistani cricketers, including Shahid Afridi himself, lashing out at the PCB's approach.

In Arthur's absence, Yasir Arafat will have to don two hats: that of a bowling coach which will be his main office post, and the other of being the man-in-charge of the men's senior national team, till the time Arthur returns to join his duties, in person.

Arafat recently became the first Pakistan Test cricketer to complete the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) level 4 coaching course as reported by Pakobserver.net. He announced the same on the micro-blogging site Twitter, thanking The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) for its support.

“Alhumdulillah, I have completed my ECB Level 4 coaching course. A big thanks to @PCA for their support and to all the coaches who helped me achieve this,” tweeted the 40-year-old.

Alhumdulillah I have completed my ECB Level 4 coaching course. A big thanks to @PCA for their support and to all the coaches who helped me achieve this. pic.twitter.com/vwLiXM87XD

— Yasir Arafat (@YasArafat12) January 18, 2023

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