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Arthur-led coaching staff likely to take charge for New Zealand series

The South African has previously served as head coach of Pakistan team as well

March 29, 2023

Arthur has also promised PCB to join the team in India for the 50-over ICC World Cup in India this year — AFP

LAHORE: A new coaching staff, led by Team Director Mickey Arthur, is likely to take charge of the Pakistan team for the upcoming limited-overs series against New Zealand.

According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has nearly finalised all the details with regards to the coaching staff and an official announcement is expected soon.

Arthur has previously served as head coach of the Pakistan team for three years, having taken up the mantle in 2016. During his tenure, Pakistan also won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017.

However, the PCB had decided to not renew the contracts of Arthur and his support staff, following the team's fifth-place finish at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019.

The PCB had earlier confirmed that it has been in talks with former national team head coach Arthur with a view to appointing him as the head coach to guide the side through to the ACC Asia Cup, ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

However, owing to Arthur's long-term contract with Derbyshire, PCB have also discussed a proposal to act as a consultant to the team on a time-sharing basis with Derbyshire.

Arthur has promised PCB to join the team in India for the 50-over ICC World Cup in India this year. Meanwhile, he will continue working for Derbyshire County Cricket Club as a full-time coach and won’t be available during the English domestic season.

It must be noted that English county side Derbyshire had secured the services of head of cricket Mickey Arthur until the end of the 2025 season, in December last year. The ex-Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka head coach had initially joined the club in November 2021 on a two-year deal.

Additionally, sources added that New Zealand’s Grant Bradburn could be named as head coach, meanwhile former South Africa pacer Morne Morkel is in the mix for the role of bowling coach.