Mickey Arthur and Kevin Pietersen clash over Pakistan's embarrassing Test defeat against England

Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur and England legend Kevin Pietersen engaged in a fiery exchange over the Pakistan cricket team’s miserable performance in the opening Test of the ongoing three-match Test series against England at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan.

Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat of an innings and a 47-run in the first Test against England in Multan, sparking a debate over the current state of the team, as they have now lost six Tests in a row under Shan Masood’s captaincy.

Mickey Arthur and Kevin Pietersen engage in debate over Pakistan's struggles

This embarrassment came after their 0-2 drubbing against Bangladesh. Mickey Arthur, who has been closely involved with Pakistan cricket in the past, was quick to point out that the players possess immense talent, but the deeper issues are at play.

The former Pakistan coach mentioned that the inconsistent selection process, unstable environment, and flawed administration have left the team in disarray.

Mickey Arthur emphasized that if the Pakistani players are given proper structure and stability, they have the potential to thrive. He made these comments on his social media handle X on October 11.

Mickey Arthur posted on X: “Just a few thoughts as a follower of Pakistan cricket! 1. The players are very skilled and are the right ones'. 2. The inconsistency around selection, environment, and administration plays a role in team morale; give the players structure and they will perform!”

"The vile rhetoric from media and media driven agendas do not help! 4.The promotion of players by player agents or media makes the player sometimes think he is way more important than he is in reality creating a false view! 5.Playing for Pakistan should be the best time ever!"

Just a few thoughts as a follower of Pakistan cricket!
1.The players are very very skilled and are the right one's.
2.The inconsistency around selection,environment and administration plays a role in team morale,give the players structure and they will perform!

— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1) October 11, 2024

Pakistan players don’t train properly: Kevin Pietersen

On the other hand, Kevin Pietersen didn’t agree with Arthur, as he recalled his experience in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The former England captain didn’t hold back in his critique, as he argued that Pakistan's training standards are below par, and the emotional highs and lows surrounding every win or loss are paralyzing their progress.

Kevin Pietersen called out the lack of off-field consistency, claiming it spills over into their on-field performance. However, both Arthur and Kevin Pietersen agreed on one thing, and that is Pakistan’s talent, saying the talent is undeniable in the Asian country.

Kevin Pietersen posted on X: “From my time playing the PSL, the players don’t train properly, and there’s way too much emotion involved in the win or loss. No consistency off the field, so how do you expect it on the field? And I agree, the talent is UNREAL!”

From my time playing the PSL, the players don’t train properly and there’s way too much emotion involved in the win or loss. No consistency off the field, so how do you expect it on the field?
And I agree, the talent is UNREAL!

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) October 12, 2024

Pakistan achieves a couple of worst records with the Multan Test defeat

Notably, Pakistan has now gone 11 consecutive home Test matches without winning a single game, with their last win coming against South Africa in 2021. This marked their joint-longest winless streak on home soil, equaling their 11-game stretch between 1969 and 1975.

Adding to their woes, the Pakistan cricket team has suffered six consecutive Test defeats, which began in December last year. This losing streak equaled Pakistan’s longest in history which they endured in both the 2016-17 and 2018-19 seasons.

The last time Pakistan suffered an innings defeat on home soil was back in 2004 when they were beaten by India in Rawalpindi. Their most recent innings loss at home, whether in Pakistan or their adopted home in the UAE, was in 2014, when New Zealand handed them a heavy defeat in Sharjah.