Amidst speculation about the uncertain future of Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, recent reports suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised to make significant changes by terminating its entire group of foreign support staff. The decision is prompted by the team’s lacklustre performance in the ICC World Cup 2023 held in India.
Renowned Pakistani news channel Samaa TV revealed that key figures such as head coach Grant Bradburn, team director Mickey Arthur, and batting coach Andrew Puttick are likely to face the axe after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the World Cup. An emergency meeting is reportedly scheduled between PCB chief Zaka Ashraf and former captain Younis Khan on Tuesday to discuss and announce these changes.
The PCB is set to conduct a comprehensive review of Pakistan’s subpar showing in the tournament, where they fell short of qualifying for the semi-finals after losing five out of their nine league games. Finishing fifth in the points table with 8 points, this marks the second consecutive ODI World Cup in which Pakistan failed to progress beyond the group stages. A similar outcome occurred in the 2015 World Cup in Australia, where their journey was halted in the quarter-finals.
Once the top-ranked ODI team, Pakistan’s recent struggles also extend to the Asia Cup, where they failed to reach the finals this year. The disappointing performances in these significant tournaments are considered the primary impetus for the sweeping changes expected in Pakistan’s cricket administration.
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This development follows the recent departure of Pakistan’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel. Morkel, along with Arthur, Bradburn, and Puttick, joined the coaching staff earlier this year as part of Pakistan’s restructuring efforts. While Arthur supported the team remotely due to his county contract, Morkel and others have been actively involved with the team since June this year.
The upcoming decision by the PCB signals a strategic shift in the management and coaching structure, reflecting a commitment to address the challenges faced by Pakistan cricket and chart a new course for future success.
