PAK vs NED: Mickey Arthur Backs Out-Of-Form Shadab Khan To Have Big Influence In ICC World Cup 2023

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur has come out in support of all-rounder Shadab Khan ahead of the team’s first match in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Mickey Arthur highlighted that Shadab Khan has the potential to make a significant impact in the marquee tournament.

Shadab Khan faced criticism due to his recent poor performances with both bat and ball. Reports suggested he might be stripped of the vice-captaincy, but the selectors maintained their faith in him. He led the team in the second warm-up match against Australia.

Shadab Khan Is Exceptional – Mickey Arthur

Speaking ahead of their opening match against the Netherlands, Mickey Arthur said that Shadab Khan is just one performance away from regaining confidence and making a significant contribution to the team in the tournament.

“I whole-heartedly back Shadab’s ability and he is a wonderful cricketer. He is exceptional and he is a bit short of confidence. He is one performance away from getting the confidence back and will have a really big influence in this World Cup. I am not worried about Shadab,” said Arthur.

Shadab had a poor outing with both bat and ball in the recent Asia Cup 2023. He picked up four wickets in the first game against Nepal but managed to get only two wickets in the remaining games. He scored only 13 runs at a dismal average of 4.33 in the event.

Have Not Worries About The Skills Of The Players – Mickey Arthur

The Pakistan team’s director expressed confidence in his team’s skillset despite poor bowling performances in the two warm-up matches. He emphasized that ensuring the players are in a good technical and mental state will lead to improved performance.

“Form comes and goes, but the quality of the players in the positions is undoubted. We are just making sure that those guys are there in a great space technically and mentally and hopefully they click tomorrow, and from there the confidence just grows.

I have no worries about the skills of the players. They are one performance away from getting their confidence and hopefully, we get that one tomorrow.”

The Men in Green failed to defend 345 runs against New Zealand in their first warm-up game. They went on to concede 351 runs against Australia in the second game. They will face the Netherlands in their first World Cup match in Hyderabad on Friday, October 6.

Also read: Shadab Khan Acknowledges His Recent Poor Form, Hopes To Perform Well In ICC World Cup 2023