Pakistan part company with Mickey Arthur, as England rumours abound

Arthur, who has been in charge of the side in 2016, departs alongside his entire senior backroom staff, including bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, batting coach Grant Flower and trainer Grant Luden

Mickey Arthur has left his position as Pakistan coach after the PCB opted not to extend his contract.

Arthur, who has been in charge of the side in 2016, departs alongside his entire senior backroom staff, including bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, batting coach Grant Flower and trainer Grant Luden.

The PCB Cricket Committee recommended the changes to chairman Ehsan Mani following a meeting on Friday, and the governing body will now advertise for all four roles.

Arthur led Pakistan through an up-and-down World Cup, in which they won one of their first five matches before narrowly missing out on a place in the semi-finals.

However, the South African also oversaw major success during his time in charge, including victory in the Champions Trophy in 2017 and a rise to the top of the T20I rankings.

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Mani said of the decision to part with Arthur:  “The unanimous recommendation of the committee was that it was time for new leadership and a fresh approach. I am happy to accept their strong recommendations.

“On behalf of the PCB, I want to sincerely thank Mickey Arthur, Grant Flower, Grant Luden and Azhar Mahmood for their hard work and unwavering commitment during their tenures with the national men’s team. We wish them every success in their future endeavors.

“The PCB remains committed to its fans and followers and we will do our utmost to ensure that we make decisions that continue to move Pakistan cricket forward in all formats.”

Arthur is now free to find new work, and he is reportedly in the frame to take over from Trevor Bayliss in the England set-up.

BBC Sport claimed last week that Arthur is among a handful of candidates being considered to replace Bayliss when the Australian steps down from the role at the end of the Ashes.

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