PCB confirms ex-team director Arthur, staff’s resignation

LAHORE: Former Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur and his staff in head coach Grant Bradburn and batting coach Andrew Puttick, who assumed roles at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore following a portfolio change in November 2023, have cordially resigned from their positions in agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), it said on Thursday.

The portfolio change came in the aftermath of Pakistan’s disappointing performances in the consecutive Asia Cup and World Cup last year before former Test opener Mohammad Hafeez and his hand-picked coaching team were entrusted with the team’s reins.

Following the conclusion of the ICC World Cup in India, the PCB’s interim Management Committee chairman Zaka Ashraf had relieved Arthur and his coaching duo from their roles with the national team, appointing Hafeez and his associates.

Reliable sources had informed Dawn earlier that the departing trio will receive one month’s salary in advance, and their departure from the PCB is set for January 31.

Former South African pacer Morne Morkel, part of Arthur’s team as the bowling coach, had already left post the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Cliffe Deacon, the physio, and Drikus Saaimon, the strength and conditioning coach, remain with the national team, despite reported fitness concerns during Pakistan’s recent Test tour to Australia.

Arthur and his team were appointed in April 2023 by Zaka’s predecessor Najam Sethi. Before this stint, Arthur had previously served as Pakistan head coach from 2016 to 2019, leading them to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test team rankings and winning the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.

His international coaching experience includes roles with home country South Africa, Australia, and Sri Lanka.

Bradburn, 57, a former New Zealand player, served as the Pakistan fielding coach from 2018 to 2020 and later took up the head of high-performance coaching role at the NCA until October 2021.

Under his leadership as head coach, Pakistan achieved the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI team rankings.

In a press release, the PCB stated: “All three individuals have informed the Pakistan Cricket Board of their decision to leave their respective jobs by the end of January 2024. The decision was taken amicably between all the stakeholders. The PCB wishes them well in their future endeavors and is grateful for their services.”