IND vs PAK: Mickey Arthur describes Pakistan Cricket as a "Mad World"

Former Pakistan Director of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, has sparked controversy with his sensational remarks about the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan cricket team ahead of their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 clash against India at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on June 9.

Arthur, the former Pakistan head coach, has recently voiced his concerns about the ongoing struggles within the Pakistan cricket team and described the situation as a "mad world." Arthur stunned the world with his statement on the internal dynamics of the PCB and the overall atmosphere of distrust in Pakistan cricket.

Mickey Arthur sparks controversy with bold remarks on PCB

The 56-year-old, who played a key role in Pakistan's Champions Trophy win in 2017, highlighted a significant issue within Pakistan cricket, where backstabbing and uncertainty are just very common things, and it dented the stability needed for consistent team performance at the highest level.

Arthur further went on to say that the lack of stability within the PCB is reflected in the inconsistent performances of the Pakistan cricket team on the field. He emphasized that a stable and supportive environment is crucial for players to understand their roles and focus on the team’s success rather than their performances.

He also slammed the PCB and the handling of team affairs, which led to their struggle with inconsistency and internal discord, as he stressed the need for stability, trust, and a consistent environment for the Pakistan team’s success.

The former Pakistan head coach and director of cricket has consistently urged the PCB to establish a system that fosters trust among players and confidence in the selection process, but the constant changes and the lack of a consistent environment hamper the team’s ability to build unity within the team.

Mickey Arthur reveals internal discord in Pakistan Cricket ahead of IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2024 encounter

Mickey Arthur was quoted as saying by PakPassion: “You never quite know in Pakistan; there is always somebody working behind your back. It's a mad old world. But as long as you work hard and give 100 percent, then you walk away with your head held high. Pakistan cricket shoots itself in the foot.

Because there is no stability, that's reflected in how the players play. Consistency comes from a consistent environment; players know their roles. When it's unstable, players start looking after their performances rather than the team's. The system is so unstable.”

One of Arthur's major concerns is the handling of the captaincy issue between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. He suggested that the frequent leadership changes have created confusion and uncertainty among the Pakistan players.

He added that the players, instead of focusing on their collective goals, are left to worry about their individual standings and futures within the Pakistan cricket team, and it affects their on-field performances. Arthur signed off by saying, “It all looked a bit befuddled. It just creates confusion for the players. But you don't want to create animosity between them.”

Notably, Shaheen Afridi's tenure as Pakistan captain was brief, lasting only four months before he was sacked by the PCB following a series loss to New Zealand. This abrupt change saw Babar Azam reappointed as the white-ball skipper in April 2024, adding to the unpredictability within the team.