Mickey Arthur takes aim at Pakistan Cricket Board after being axed as coach

The South African admits he is "disappointed and hurt" by his contract not being renewed after the World Cup. The 1992 winners failed to get out of the group phase and a raft of personnel changes are planned

Mickey Arthur has reacted angrily to being dumped as Pakistan head coach following the World Cup.

The PCB have confirmed that the South African's contract, due to expire this month, will not be renewed. 

Assistants Azhar Mahmood, Grant Flower and Grant Luden have also been offloaded as the fall-out from the failure to qualify for the semi-finals continues.

"I am extremely disappointed and hurt," he told AFP. "I did my wholehearted effort to lift Pakistan cricket."

Pakistan finished fifth in the round-robin phase, level on points with eventual runners-up New Zealand but failed to progress due to net run-rate.

News that Arthur has become surplus to requirements follows a five-hour PCB committee meeting during which Arthur asked for a two-year extension, according to ESPNcricinfo.

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Arthur guided the team to Champions Trophy glory in 2017 but he was unable to convince the PCB he deserved an extended spell at the helm.

Along with four senior members of the coach set-up departing, Inzamam-ul-Haq left as chief selector after the World Cup.

The PCB are yet to confirm whether Sarfraz Ahmed will remain as captain. The wicketkeeper has refused to stand-down and is awaiting a decision from above.

While Pakistan are left with a major rebuilding job, Arthur could now seek a new challenge with England.

The 51-year-old has confirmed his interest in replacing Trevor Bayliss after the Ashes and BBC Sport understand he is being considered alongside Ottis Gibson and Gary Kisten for the role.

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