PCB is hiring Mickey Arthur as online coach and former Pakistan cricketers are not happy

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to appoint Micky Arthur as the new team director. But the twist in the tale is that Arthur will lead Pakistan team not physically but via internet and will only assist the team physically when it comes to play the ODI World Cup in India later this year. This will also be the first time in the history of international cricket that a coach will mentor the team online.

Arthur was the Head Coach of Pakistan from 2016 to 2019, and under his guidance, Pakistan defeated India in the final of the Champions Trophy in 2017. 

Ever since Najam Sethi has taken over as the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), several changes have been initiated in the management and the selection committee. Regarding Micky Arthur, PCB Chairman, Najam Sethi has made it clear that the deal with Athur for the Head Coach of the Pakistan team is almost done. Speaking at a news conference, Najam Sethi said: "I want to make it clear I am in direct negotiations with Mickey. If Mickey comes, he will be making his own team and we will only find how much we need to pay them and this matter will be resolved in 2-3 days," Sethi said in a news conference.

Mickey was not willing coach: Pakistani media reports said that Arthur was not willing to helm the role as he is already the full time coach of English County cricket team, Derbyshire and under his supervision, the team is doing well. But the PCB management went after him with the option of coaching the team on part time-basis.

• An ESPN cricinfo report also said that Arthur has also given the name of former Pakistani player Yasir Arafat as the bowling coach to the PCB.

How former players reacted? Former Pakistani captain and head coach Misbah ul Haq slammed the management for appointing Arthur as the online coach, calling it a 'slap on the Pakistani cricket'. "It's a slap on our cricket system that we are not able to find a high-profile full-time coach," Misbah told ESPNcricinfo.

• Misbah blamed the former players for damaging the credibility of the system and making PCB look outside the home territory for coaching rules.
• "It is a shame that the best ones do not want to come and we insist on someone who is looking at Pakistan as the second option. I blame our own system, which is vulnerable enough with so many weak lines for anyone to exploit it," Misbah said.
• He further that the "present and former players do not respect each other, with media and other former players using their own Youtube channel for ratings, grossly hitting the credibility and value of our cricket, which, as a result, gives an impression that we are not capable."
• Misbah blamed the former players for ridiculing the current players which sends a wrong signal to the fans."There is no empathy, no respect, and no conducive environment in the cricketing quarter of our country," Misbah said.

Salman Butt expresses disbelief: Former Pakistani skipper Salman Butt also expressed his disbelief over appointment of Micky Arthur as the Team Director. He said: "The PCB is not so helpless that it has to look for online coaches. This can't be true. As per my understanding, he (Mickey Arthur) could come in as a consultant or conduct a couple of sessions with the team. The PCB will have to clarify if it is an online coaching or an online team director role."

Wasim Akram doesn't want to be the head coach of Pakistan: Wasim Akram on being asked if he would take the role of Pakistan head coach job, plainly said, "No". The former Pakistani legendary pacer said that the reason he would not take the job is because coaches in Pakistan are not only criticised but abused also.

"I can accept criticism if the team is not doing well. But in Pakistan cricket, it is intolerable the way the captain and coaches are not only criticised but also abused by everyone," PTI quoted Akram as saying

Akram is presently the coach of Karachi Kings in Pakistan Super League (PSL).