ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur is likely to return to the cricket setup as a part-time coach, with former cricketers including Shahid Afridi feeling that such an arrangement would not work in the long run, JEE News reported on Wednesday. Reported.
A former Test cricketer, who is also in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for an assignment, said coaching is a full-time job.
“Even consultancy is a full-time job as the consultant needs to focus on his work. Wearing two hats at once will only complicate matters and create awkward situations for team members. “This idea is not viable in the long run,” he said, requesting anonymity.
The cricketer also said that the Pakistan team needs a full-time head coach, who stays with the team during camp training and during every overseas engagement.
“Whether he is a foreigner or a local, he should stay with selected members of the national team throughout the year.”
Afridi, who was appointed as the interim chief selector, also opposed the idea. He said that better coaches are available in Pakistan.
Speaking against such a notion, former fast bowler Aqib Javed said: “Coaching is a full-time job. If you are the coach of a well-recognized team, you should devote full time to helping the team achieve better results.”
The PCB changed its stance on Arthur, first claiming that he had accepted the job of head coach and then announcing that he was only available for major events but that the PCB would not hire a part-timer. Wasn’t in the mood.
Again, the PCB came up with a new version and Arthur will now be available as a consultant to guide the team while working as the coach of English county team Derbyshire.
Arthur will be appointed Team Director.
Earlier this week, PCB sources said Arthur would be appointed as “team director” instead of head coach.
Sources have revealed that the decision has been taken to do away with the post of head coach of the Pakistan cricket team as the board’s aim is not to work with head coaches but with assistant coaches.
Arthur, who led Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in 2017, will be the team director and look after all matters.
However, as per the expected deal, the former Pakistan coach will not be available for the national team during the English county season.
Arthur will be with the team for the ODI World Cup 2023 and the tour of Australia.
Reliable sources told Jung that Arthur will be available on the ground for very few assignments. The former coach has promised the PCB that he will join the team in India for the 50-over mega event this year. Meanwhile, he will continue to work for Derbyshire County Cricket Club as a full-time coach.
On the other hand, the national cricket governing body has decided to appoint a chief of staff for Arthur.
