Cricket is more than just a sport in Pakistan; it’s a genuine passion that binds the nation together. The performance of the national cricket team is a topic that stirs emotions and discussions across the country. In light of Pakistan’s lacklustre showing in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, former fast-bowler Wasim Akram has weighed in on an issue that has been stirring cricket enthusiasts and experts alike.
Pakistan’s recent performances have left much to be desired. The team’s struggles began last month when they failed to qualify for the Asia Cup final. Defeats at the hands of arch-rivals India and Sri Lanka rang alarm bells for the cricket-loving nation. In the ongoing World Cup, the Men in Green faced a rollercoaster ride, with two initial wins followed by four consecutive losses.
The most recent heartbreak came from a narrow 1-wicket loss against South Africa. This defeat has almost extinguished Pakistan’s hopes of making it to the semifinals of an ODI World Cup for the first time since 2011.
It’s against this backdrop that Wasim Akram has made a significant statement. He believes that Mickey Arthur, the former head coach of South Africa and Australia, currently associated with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a part-time role, needs to stay in Pakistan if he intends to continue his role with the board.
Mickey Arthur has been remotely coaching Pakistani players via Zoom calls, a stark contrast to his predecessors. His tenure as the director of cricket has also seen him coaching Derbyshire, a county club in England.
Wasim Akram emphasized that Mickey Arthur should be physically present in Pakistan to look after age-level and domestic cricket. His responsibilities, as per Akram, extend far beyond the national team. He plays a crucial role in developing cricket talent at various levels, including U16, U19, and domestic cricket.
Wasim Akram demands Mickey Arthur to stay in Pakistan – "Mickey need to be in Pakistan if he stays in PCB. He is not director cricket of Pakistan Cricket Team only. He is director cricket of every level cricket in Pakistan including U16 U19 and domestic." #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/4D8j2IuiJY
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) October 27, 2023
“Mickey needs to be in Pakistan if he stays in PCB. He is not the director of cricket of the Pakistan Cricket Team. He is director of every level of cricket in Pakistan, including U16, U19, and domestic,” Wasim Akram said.
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This isn’t the first time that Mickey Arthur has come under scrutiny. Wasim Akram had previously criticized Arthur’s comments after a loss to India, highlighting the need for more concrete plans against specific opposition.
Wasim Akram slammed: “What did you plan against Kuldeep Yadav? That’s what we want to hear, not this random stuff. You can’t get away from this.”
