Mickey Arthur refuses PCB’s head coach offer

Derbyshire’s head coach Mickey Arthur has reportedly refused the head coach offer from the Pakistan Cricket Board. PCB confirmed their failed approach to appointing the former head coach. PCB also mentioned that things didn’t materialize due to Arthur’s long-term contract with Derbyshire.

Arthur confirmed his stay at Derbyshire despite a big chance to head coach a national cricket team again. He said that Derbyshire is close to his heart and their supporters makes him welcome there.

“I’ve always said that Derbyshire is a county close to my heart since working with the likes of Eddie Barlow and Fred Swarbrook, and my first season with the Club has only made that feeling grow. Supporters have made me feel instantly welcome, we have a squad full of potential and I’m looking forward to developing it and challenging for silverware at the very top of county cricket,” Mickey Arthur was quoted by Indian Express.

The 54-year-old joined Derbyshire ahead of the 2022 season and also coached Dambulla Aura in the recently concluded LPL. However, to his disappointment, Dambulla finished the season in the last position with just two wins from the eight matches. On the other hand, Derbyshire enjoyed a good turnaround to during the 2022 County Championship under Arthur.

PCB’s search for new head coach continues

Arthur was head coach for Pakistan’s national team during 2016-19. He guided Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy and to the no.1 spot in ICC T20I Team’s chart. But he was sacked after Pakistan’s poor outings in the 2019 ICC World Cup. The current Pakistani head coach Saqlain Mushtaq’s contract expires in February 2023 as PCB continues their search for head coach.

“Owing to his long-term contract with Derbyshire, we have also discussed a proposal to act as a consultant to the PCB on a time-sharing basis with Derbyshire. Unfortunately, however, this option is proving difficult to materialise for various reasons on both sides. Under the circumstances, the PCB will continue its search for the right person to fit the slot of the national team head coach and some top names are already under consideration,” the PCB said in an official statement on January 10.