Cricket World Cup 2023: Director Mickey Arthur to join Pakistan team in India by September 30

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Saturday, September 23 confirmed the senior men’s team’s support staff for the Cricket World Cup, which will be held in India from October 5 to November 19. Director Mickey Arthur is set to join the team in India by September 30, the board said.

Mickey Arthur, who was appointed as the Director of the men’s senior team, was not physically present with the team during the entirety of the Asia Cup 2023. Notably, Arthur has been key to some of the decision-making in the team, including the World Cup squad selection. Notably, Arthur, who worked as the head coach of the team from 2016 to 2019, has continued to be associated as the head coach of the Derbyshire county championship team.

Cricket World Cup: Full Coverage

While Grant Bradburn will be the head coach, former South Africa pacer Morne Morkel will continue to travel with the team as their bowling coach at the World Cup in India.

The PCB also confirmed that the Babar Azam-led side will depart to India on Wednesday morning, two days ahead of their first warm-up match in Hyderabad. Pakistan will play their first warm-up match against New Zealand and their second against Australia on October 3. Pakistan will begin their World Cup 2023 campaign against the Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad.

PAKISTAN SUPPORT STAFF FOR WORLD CUP

Player support personnel: Rehan-ul-Haq (team manager), Mickey Arthur (Director – Pakistan men’s team), Grant Bradburn (head coach), Andrew Puttick (batting coach), Morne Morkel (bowling coach), Aftab Khan (fielding coach), Abdul Rehman (assistant coach), Dr Sohail Saleem (team doctor), Drikus Saaiman (strength and conditioning coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (media and digital content manager), Usman Anwari (security manager), Maqbool Ahmad Babri (psychologist), Talha Ejaz (analyst) and Malang Ali (masseur).

Pakistan’s performance at the Asia Cup was disappointing as Babar’s side failed to make the final after losing to India and Sri Lanka in the Super Fours stage.

Pakistan suffered a major blow ahead of the World Cup as their young pacer Naseem Shah was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury he picked up at the Asia Cup.

Naseem suffered a shoulder injury during a match against India in the Asia Cup. The 20-year-old cricketer has been advised to undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for three to four months. This unexpected turn of events has led to a significant change in the team’s composition.

In light of Shah’s injury, experienced medium pacer Hasan Ali has been recalled to the squad. Born on July 2, 1994, Hasan Ali is a seasoned cricketer who represents the national team across all formats. His inclusion in the team is seen as a strategic move given his extensive experience and proven performance in high-stakes matches.

The PCB has also announced three traveling reserves – Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, and Zaman Khan, who will be considered in case of any further injuries within the squad.