The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has extended the contract of head coach Mickey Arthur and his support staff until the end of the ICC World Cup 2019 to be held in England.
“Contracts of the head coach and other support staff have been extended till the World Cup. The only change that can be made in the management is that of the manager,” an official told PTI before leaving for Sri Lanka.
“The PCB will review whether to retain former Test batsman Talat Ali as manager or make a new appointment after the ongoing series against Sri Lanka,” the official added.
PCB has extended Mickey Arthur and the rest of the support staff’s contracts until the 2019 World Cup #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) October 6, 2017
The 49-year-old Arthur took over the reins of the Pakistan team on a two-year contract in May 2016 before the start of the side’s England tour.
The South African’s contract was meant to be reviewed on a two-year basis however Pakistan’s unexpected victory at the ICC Champions Trophy in England this summer has led the PCB to review the contract much earlier than anticipated.
“It makes no sense to make changes now as the next important assignment is the World Cup,” the PCB official said.
Meanwhile PCB has investigated Umar Akmal’s allegations of verbal abuse against the South African and concluded that the head coach was not guilty of the charges.
“Arthur told Umar that only contracted players were being trained at the NCA when Umar raised the issue of Salman Butt (having nets at the NCA). The head coach told him to focus on his own fitness and form. Arthur didn’t say anything out of ordinary,” the official said.
Former Zimbabwe stalwart Grant Flowers is employed as the batting coach with Australian Steve Rixon handling the fielding coach duties.
Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood is the bowling coach in Arthur’s set up while South African Grant Luden and Australian Shane Hayes are employed as the fitness coach and team physiotherapist respectively.