Former Cricketers Who Can Replace Mickey Arthur As Pakistan’s Coach

Pakistan’s performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup was a tale of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. Entering the tournament as one of the favourites, Pakistan struggled to find consistency and succumbed to pressure in crucial moments.

The Men in Green started the tournament with a convincing victory over co-hosts India, setting the stage for a promising campaign. However, their subsequent performance was erratic, with a mix of wins and losses that left their qualification hanging in the balance.

Pakistan’s batting unit, spearheaded by captain Babar Azam, showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the necessary firepower to consistently chase down challenging targets or post intimidating totals.

The middle-order, in particular, failed to fire consistently, leaving the onus on the top-order to carry the team’s burden. The bowling department, led by the experienced Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, displayed moments of brilliance but struggled to maintain control throughout the tournament. Their inability to contain the opposition’s run flow and pick up wickets at key junctures proved costly.

After the World Cup debacle, Micky Arthur, the head coach, has stepped down from the coaching duties and now the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently on the lookout for a new coach. With the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy just around the corner, the PCB is looking for an experienced and proven coach who can guide Pakistan to success in these major tournaments.

In this article, we will take a look at three former cricketers who could replace Mickey Arthur as Pakistan’s coach. These three individuals have all had successful careers as players and coaches, and they possess the experience and expertise necessary to lead Pakistan to victory.

1) Andy Flower

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should seriously consider appointing Andy Flower as the next head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. Flower, a former Zimbabwean cricketer and renowned coach, brings a wealth of experience and expertise that could be instrumental in revitalizing the team’s performance. Flower’s credentials are impeccable.

He has a proven track record of success, having led England to the ICC World Twenty20 title in 2010 and the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019. He is also highly respected within the cricketing fraternity for his tactical acumen, man-management skills, and ability to nurture young talent.

2) Simon Katich

Simon Katich, a former Australian cricketer with extensive coaching experience, could be an excellent choice for the Pakistan cricket team’s next head coach. His experience as a player and coach, both at the domestic and international levels, would be invaluable in guiding the team towards success.

Katich is a highly experienced coach, having coached the Karachi Kings in the PSL and the Middlesex Cricket Club in England. He is a tough and demanding coach who is known for his ability to get the best out of his players.

3) Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, stands as a compelling candidate for the role of head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. His illustrious career, adorned with numerous accolades and records, coupled with his vast coaching experience, makes him an ideal choice to guide the team towards renewed success.

Beyond his playing achievements, Sangakkara has also demonstrated exceptional coaching abilities. He has successfully mentored Sri Lanka’s Under-19 team, leading them to victory in the 2014 Youth Cricket World Cup. His ability to impart knowledge, inspire confidence, and instill a winning mentality has been lauded by many in the cricketing fraternity. 

Furthermore, Sangakkara’s vast experience in various international leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), has provided him with a deep understanding of different playing conditions, team dynamics, and the pressures of modern cricket.