Newly appointed Pakistan team consultant Mickey Arthur will join the Men in Green during the series against New Zealand starting on Friday in Lahore. The primary purpose of Arthur’s visit is to brief team plans ahead of the important Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup later this year.
In the exclusive statement, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Najam Sethi, revealed that Arthur is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on April 18. Najam Sethi said that their two foreign coaches Grant Bradburn and Andrew Puttick have arrived in Lahore.
“Two of the foreign coaches have already arrived in Lahore, while Mickey Arthur is coming on April 18. He will also take charge in one or two matches of the series against the Kiwis,” Najam Sethi said.
The Pakistan board appointed Grant Bradburn as the side’s head coach, in an interim capacity. Abdul Rahman has been named as the assistant head coach. Andrew Puttick and Umar Gul have been appointed as the batting and bowling coaches respectively for their series against New Zealand.
“The main purpose of his visit is to prepare his team, train them and brief them. He will also discuss his plans with Babar Azam and other players,” he added.
This will be Mickey Arthur’s second stint as Pakistan team head coach as he previously worked with Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side from 2016-2019 and under his guidance, Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, defeating India in the final.
According to reports, Mickey Arthur will not travel with the team for any bilateral series and will return before the ODI World Cup in a preparation camp.
Foreign Coaches Stay Away From Politics – Najam Sethi
Najam Sethi also opened up about why the board prefers foreign coaches for the team, stating that overseas coaches usually stay away from politics and act more professionally in their duties.
“I stand by my opinion that foreign coaches stay away from politics. They are also usually more professional. Pakistan also has good professional coaches available, but in our culture, friendships carry significant weight in decision-making,” Najam Sethi added.
Babar Azam is set to return for the Men in Green to lead them against the young New Zealand side. The 1st T20 between New Zealand and Pakistan will be held on April 14, in Lahore. This series will help their team prepare for Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.