In a significant development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to part ways with its foreign coaches, including Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and Andrew Puttick, following the national team’s recent struggles, particularly in the 2023 World Cup.
The decision was made after the trio returned to Lahore following the World Cup in India. Initially, they were informed that their services were no longer required with the national team, and instead, they were offered roles at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). However, it was later realized that their contracts did not include a clause allowing them to work at the NCA permanently.
PCB chief Zaka Ashraf and COO Salman Naseer are set to negotiate a final settlement with Arthur, Bradburn, and Puttick. The board, after some consultations, decided to amicably release them from their contracts. Mickey Arthur, who is already associated with Derbyshire, and the others have found new assignments.
The board is willing to provide some months’ salaries as compensation to the departing coaches. It was confirmed that Puttick, who served as the batting coach, had informed the PCB about his new assignment with Afghanistan before accepting the contract. Grant Bradburn, on the other hand, has expressed interest in joining English county team Glamorgan as the head coach.
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All three coaches were appointed by the PCB during the tenure of the last chairman, Najam Sethi, in April–May of the previous year. The decision to part ways reflects the PCB’s commitment to reevaluate coaching strategies and make necessary changes following the team’s underwhelming performances, especially in the World Cup.
The move aims to bring in a fresh perspective and coach staff to steer the team in a positive direction. It’s worth noting that the Pakistan Cricket Team will now start preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2023. The team will face New Zealand in a five-match series soon.
