Pakistan Cricket Board terminates association with Mickey Arthur and other overseas coaching staff

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently made a significant decision to part ways with foreign coaches Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and Andrew Puttick. This move comes in the aftermath of the Pakistan cricket team’s lacklustre performances. Notably, their disappointing World Cup campaign, where they finished fifth on the points table and failed to qualify for the semifinals, played a big role.

The trio, who were part of the coaching setup during the World Cup, were informed that their services were no longer required after the conclusion of the tournament. Initially, Bradburn, Puttick, and Arthur were asked to take responsibility at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) following the team’s subpar performance. However, it was soon realised that their contracts did not contain a clause that compelled them to take on roles other than the ones they were initially hired for.

While Bradburn served as the head coach, Arthur and Puttick were appointed as team director and batting coach, respectively, during Najam Sethi’s tenure as PCB chair in 2023. After the ODI World Cup debacle, the PCB attempted to redirect their roles to the NCA, but contractual limitations prevented this. Bradburn, expressing his sentiments on social media, acknowledged the end of a chapter in Pakistan cricket and expressed pride in the achievements during his tenure.

PCB chief Zaka Ashraf is set to negotiate with departing coaches

PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf and Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer are set to negotiate final settlements with the departing coaches. The decision to release them from their contracts was reportedly reached amicably after consultations, taking into account that Mickey Arthur had already joined Derbyshire, and Bradburn and Puttick had secured new assignments.

As this coaching chapter closes, Pakistan is currently engaged in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The PCB’s decision to overhaul the coaching setup reflects a commitment to addressing the team’s struggles and striving for better performances in future international competitions.