Former Pakistani Test cricketer Yasir Arafat has expressed concern over the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s decision to bring in foreign coaching staff for the national team. Mickey Arthur is reportedly set to return as the head of the Pakistan team’s coaching staff and will bring Grant Bradburn as assistant coach, Andrew Puttick as batting coach, and Morne Morkel as bowling coach into the coaching staff. Arafat, who was a potential candidate to become Pakistan team’s bowling coach, shared his conversation with Mickey, expressing his disappointment with the PCB’s decision.
“Mickey met me in England, and we had a long conversation about Pakistan cricket. I told him my plans if I was given an opportunity to work as the bowling coach,” Arafat said while speaking in Geo News’ program Score. “He told me that he was giving my name as the national team’s bowling coach because he was given the authority to make a coaching team. I made up my mind; in fact, it was an honor for me to serve Pakistan once again.”
After the conversation, Arafat claimed that he was informed that they need experience and that he was no longer in consideration due to budget issues. He stated, “It really surprised me because I had started planning to shift to Pakistan because Mickey confirmed it to me. I work in a college here; I also told my college management that I am going to Pakistan for work purposes, and they asked me to give confirmation as soon as possible so that they can find my replacement.”
Reacting to the foreign coaching staff, which is currently making headlines in the media, Arafat said they also don’t bring a lot of experience. “Morne Morkel also doesn’t have much experience in coaching. In fact, he was playing in 2019 when I was working as a coach with Surrey,” he said. “The other two coaches, Puttick and Bradburn, are also not that experienced. As far as you talk about budget, so it’s the Pakistan team and not a local franchise. If you invest in it, only then you will get results.”
Arafat also raised questions about whether the foreign coaches would shift to Pakistan, saying, “If I was given an opportunity, I would have worked permanently in Pakistan. Being a coach, it is your duty to look after U19 and A teams alongside the main team. You have to work with all the players so that the best possible players come and play for Pakistan.”
According to reports, Mickey and his team are waiting for final confirmation from PCB and also Pakistani visas. The former head coach will come and sign the contract along with his team. He will go back after signing, and Bradburn is likely to lead the national team’s coaching staff for the home ODI and T20I series against New Zealand. Morkel will join the team after the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).
Arafat has raised valid concerns about the PCB’s decision to bring in foreign coaching staff for the national team. While the appointment of foreign coaches may bring in new perspectives and ideas, it is crucial to ensure that they have the required experience and commitment to contribute to the development of Pakistan cricket in the long run.
