KARACHI: Pakistan’s former cricket coach Mickey Arthur on Friday defendedhis comments that linked former captains Wasim Akram and Misbah-ul-Haq tohis ousting last month.
Arthur caused a stir in Pakistani cricket circles earlier this week afterhe went into detail about his axing in an interview with ESPNcricinfopodcast Stump Mic.
Following a disappointing World Cup performance, the Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB) set up a committee including Wasim and Misbah to shape the team’sfuture direction.
The committee decided against renewing Arthur’s contract, which paved theway for Misbah to be named the country’s chief selector and new head coach.
Arthur said he had supported the participation of both Wasim and Misbah onthe committee but was disappointed with the decision after placing histrust in them.
“I guess the only disappointment I have out of the whole lot is that therewere some people I really trusted who ultimately didn’t follow through,”said Arthur during the interview.
“And it just happened to be that Misbah was on the committee that didn’trenew our contracts and becomes this heir-apparent,” he added.
Arthur refused to speak ill of Misbah in the interview.
“Misbah will do a good job, Misbah is a good guy and Pakistan cricket madetheir decision. I was disappointed because I loved every second of thatjob.”
The comments caused a stir in Pakistani media.
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Speaking to AFP by phone from Perth, Arthur said he had the right to speakhis mind after faithfully serving the team for three years.
“I was dignified in my comments because I love Pakistan, the players Iworked with, spent time with for three years and respect Misbah and Wasim,”Arthur told AFP.
“I felt disappointed because I had some unfinished business to do with thePakistan team and would have loved to continue. But now we have moved onand I wish Pakistan team the best of luck under Misbah.”
Wasim and Misbah both defended their actions following the World Cup.
“I have played for Pakistan and I serve Pakistan cricket in some capacityor the other, so when I was asked to join the committee to decide about thehead coach I gave my honest opinion,” Wasim told AFP in Karachi.
Misbah added that Arthur was entitled to his opinion.
“I think what he has said is his opinion,” said Misbah. “Whatever he hasthought he has said. I always say that everyone has his opinion.
“As a member of the cricket committee we gave our honest opinion. I hadgood relations with Mickey,” he added. “Good relations are always there andwill remain there.” -APP/AFP
