‘Beyond comprehension’ – Shahid Afridi perplexed with PCB to appoint Mickey Arthur as ‘Online Coach’

The latest news that has taken the internet by storm is the Pakistan Cricket Board appointing Mickey Arthur as their ‘online coach’. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who had recently completed his tenure as Pakistan’s interim chief selector, was perplexed when he learned of these reports.

Afridi was also dissatisfied with the PCB’s preference for foreign coaches, claiming that Pakistan has a plethora of capable veteran cricketers capable of coaching the national team.

Former head coach Arthur is set to take over as the new coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, with the PCB management committee reportedly planning to finalise his contract within the next two weeks. Due to his stint with Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Arthur will primarily carry out his coaching responsibilities online until the 2023 World Cup in India, according to multiple media reports.

“Well, even I don’t know what type of coaching will happen or what the plan is. The concept of online coaching by a foreign coach for the national team is beyond comprehension,” Afridi was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

“Why only foreign coaches? Pakistan do have good coaches here. I know PCB also takes into consideration where the person is presently involved in politics. But all those should be kept aside in cricket so that we get a person who can take the tough calls which eventually makes a good team,” Afridi added.

If Mickey comes he will be making his own team: Najam Sethi

PCB chairman Najam Sethi confirmed Arthur’s return to Pakistan as head coach a few days ago. “I want to make it clear I am in direct negotiations with Mickey and I think 90 per cent of the discussions. We have covered many areas and very soon we may give you good news. If Mickey comes he will be making his own team and we will only find how much we need to pay them and this matter will be resolved in 2-3 days,” Sethi had told a news conference.