Mickey Arthur named the new Pakistan cricket coach
Mickey Arthur was appointed as the head coach of Pakistan Cricket team. PCB announced that the South African will take up his new job at the end of May. This is Arthur's third assignment with an international side. He coached South Africa (2005-2010), and Australia (2011-2013). He was picked up by a panel consisting of former captains Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja and Faisal Mirza.
Waqar Younis stepped down as Pakistan's head coach following the team's disappointing performances in the World Twenty20. "I am resigning from my post with a heavy heart," said the 44-year-old former fast bowler, who has ended his second spell in charge. His resignation came after a leaked report where he criticized PCB for not letting him have a say in the selection process.
No top Pakistani cricketers applied for the position of head coach of the national team. Prominent former players like Mohsin Khan, Moin Khan and Aaqib Javed said they didn't want to waste their time on paperwork when PCB had already made up its mind to appoint a foreign coach. Reportedly, only two low profile former Pak players including Manzoor Ellahi applied for the post.
Former two-time England coach, Peter Moores, Australians, Tom Moody, Jamie Siddon, Stuart Law and Dean Jones and former South African coach Mickey Arthur are said to be among the foreigners who applied for the position of Pakistan cricket coach.
Former England coach Peter Moores turned down the chance to succeed Waqar Younis as the new Pakistan coach. Moores, currently a consultant with Nottinghamshire, said that he was flattered to be approached. Though tempted by the opportunity, Moore said it wasn't the right time for him and his family and that he was committed to his current role at Nottinghamshire.
Dean Jones, who in the past applied for the position of Pakistan's coach, was also the chief coach of 'Islamabad United team' that won the inaugural Pakistan Super League, in February. He worked with the Islamabad franchise alongside Wasim Akram
The Pakistan Cricket Board's hunt for a new head coach continues as their first choice, Australian Stuart Law, turned down the position. Law conveyed that he was more interested in a consultant's position and expressed his inability to join the team immediately. PCB said it will try to convince Law or choose from Englishman Andy Moles and Australian Test batsman Dean Jones.
PCB Chief Shaharyar Khan, who said that the board was also talking to Moles and Jones, admitted that the board of governors had reservations over some candidates. Reportedly, PCB were not certain about signing Moles because of his history of coaching with teams like Kenya, Scotland, Afghanistan, and New Zealand. Moles left these previous assignments due to disagreements with respective boards or players.
