Arthur hits out after PCB decides not to renew contracts

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday, after deciding not to renew any of the current coaches' contracts, announced that a recruitment process will be undertaken soon. The contracts of head coach Mickey Arthur, bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, batting coach Grant Flower and trainer Grant Luden have not been renewed.

The PCB Cricket Committee, which met on Friday, unanimously recommended the change in the national side's coaching set-up.

The recommendations were forwarded and discussed with the PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani, who thanked Arthur and the other coaches for their services. "We wish them every success in their future endeavours," he said. Arthur, who has been linked with a move to England, said he had done his best with Pakistan who narrowly failed to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

"I am extremely disappointed and hurt," the South African told AFP shortly after the PCB announced his departure. "I did my wholehearted effort to lift Pakistan cricket."

Arthur's contract expired after last month's World Cup, won by hosts England, and he had asked for a two-year extension. Reports say Arthur is on the shortlist of names for the next England coach after Trevor Bayliss departs following the ongoing Ashes Test series. As part of the recruitment process, PCB will now advertise the four available roles and invite applications from interested candidates with relevant experience.

Mani, while discussing the development, said: "I am thankful to the PCB Committee for submitting their recommendations following an exhaustive and detailed review process.