The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday (May 28) has decided against renewing the contract of team’s head coach Mickey Arthur and the chief selector Inzamam-Ul-Haq. Their contracts are scheduled to expire in mid-July. The duo will complete their respective tenure following the culmination of the twelfth edition of the 2019 World Cup. The tournament will run between May 30 and July 14 at an iconic Lord’s stadium.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan opener Aamir Sohail is touted as the successor of Inzamam. Between 2002 and 2004, Sohail has already served as PCB’s chief selector.
Earlier, in 2017, Inzamam has signed the three-year contract as a chief selector. It eventually saw the Men in Green lifting the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Sarfraz Ahmed-led side thrashed India by 180 runs at The Oval on June 18.
Aamir Sohail as a new chief selector?
According to the Press Trust of India, the veteran cricketer Sohail’s names is among the top contenders who have had been short-listed for the high-profile job.
Furthermore, the managing director for PCB, Wasim Khan will announce the position of both the chief selector and head coach, respectively.
“Sohail’s name is top among the list of short-listed contenders. PCB’s managing director, Wasim Khan will make the decision on new appointments for the position of the chief selector and head coach,” PTI quoted a source in know to the developments.
The recent developments revealed Arthur was keen to know whether his contract would be extended or not. However, he was told to set an entire focus on the quadrennial event.
“But Mickey was told a decision would be made later he should focus on the World Cup,” the source maintained.
PCB has roped in Arthur in 2016, who has further been known for maintaining the integrity with the team. Arthur has also been one who showed zero tolerance towards fitness issues.
The decision has been made irrespective of the results of the 2019 World Cup which will begin with England vs South Africa game in London on 30th of May.
PCB chairman Ehsan Mani:
As per the recent reports, some decisions from Inzamam and Arthur didn’t sit well with the PCB chairman Ehsan Mani and MD, Wasim.
“Changes will be made as to when Ehsan Mani took over as Chairman. And then, brought in Wasim Khan as MD there was nothing they could do about the key positions since there was little time left before the World Cup. But both are not very happy with some of the decisions taken by Inzamam and Arthur as chief selector and head coach,” the source added.
Moreover, reports revealed a lobby in the PCB wants to see Inzamam as the chief coach.
Meanwhile, Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign on 31st May against Windies. Concurrently, Inzamam is with a team in England. He will return to Pakistan following India-Pakistan clash schedule on June 16 at the Old Trafford.