KARACHI: Shahid Afridi could continue as head coach after home series against New Zealand while mickeyarthur is expected to make a decision on his return as Pakistan head coach later this month.
According to reliable sources from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Afridi, who is the acting head coach, initially only accepted responsibility for the current series against New Zealand but now has his doubts.
“Shahid held talks with the Chairman of the PCB, Najam Seti who initially convinced him to work as caretaker head coach, but now talks have taken place over the possibility of the former captain continuing in that role given that this year Pakistan have two major events – the FIFA Cup Asia 50 overs and the World Cup in India,” a source said.
The source added that Sethi is happy with how Afridi and his fellow coaches — Abdul Razzaq, Rao Iftikhar and Haroon Rasheed had chosen players for both Tests and the ODI series against New Zealand.
“Strong possibility that Shahid will be persuaded to continue and establish a schedule where he can also dedicate time to his foundation work,” the source said.
Another source said Sethi was waiting for an answer from Arthur who has been asked to return as head coach of the Pakistan team.
‘Arthur, who currently has a long contract with Derbyshire County, has asked for some time to consider his options and position and has said he will return later this month with a solid response,’ the source said. .
Arthur served as Pakistan’s head coach from 2016 to 2019. He was released from his contract when Sethi resigned and new management Ehsan Mani took over the board after the 2019 World Cup.
The source said Arthur has also expressed interest in returning to international cricket as a coach.
The good thing for the PCB is that after the end of New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan on January 14, no international commitments are expected for the team until April after the Pakistan Super League ended in March. .
“Pakistan’s next international commitments will host New Zealand for five ODIs and five T20Is in April-May, after which they will play a two-Test series with Sri Lanka, then an ODI series against Afghanistan before August, followed by the Asian Cup and the World Cup.
“Thus, the PCB has time to finalize its new management set up for the team and also a permanent selection committee after the PSL.”
According to reliable sources from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Afridi, who is the acting head coach, initially only accepted responsibility for the current series against New Zealand but now has his doubts.
“Shahid held talks with the Chairman of the PCB, Najam Seti who initially convinced him to work as caretaker head coach, but now talks have taken place over the possibility of the former captain continuing in that role given that this year Pakistan have two major events – the FIFA Cup Asia 50 overs and the World Cup in India,” a source said.
The source added that Sethi is happy with how Afridi and his fellow coaches — Abdul Razzaq, Rao Iftikhar and Haroon Rasheed had chosen players for both Tests and the ODI series against New Zealand.
“Strong possibility that Shahid will be persuaded to continue and establish a schedule where he can also dedicate time to his foundation work,” the source said.
Another source said Sethi was waiting for an answer from Arthur who has been asked to return as head coach of the Pakistan team.
‘Arthur, who currently has a long contract with Derbyshire County, has asked for some time to consider his options and position and has said he will return later this month with a solid response,’ the source said. .
Arthur served as Pakistan’s head coach from 2016 to 2019. He was released from his contract when Sethi resigned and new management Ehsan Mani took over the board after the 2019 World Cup.
The source said Arthur has also expressed interest in returning to international cricket as a coach.
The good thing for the PCB is that after the end of New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan on January 14, no international commitments are expected for the team until April after the Pakistan Super League ended in March. .
“Pakistan’s next international commitments will host New Zealand for five ODIs and five T20Is in April-May, after which they will play a two-Test series with Sri Lanka, then an ODI series against Afghanistan before August, followed by the Asian Cup and the World Cup.
“Thus, the PCB has time to finalize its new management set up for the team and also a permanent selection committee after the PSL.”
