'It will be necessary to work at grassroots' - Afridi dislikes the concept of online coaching

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi is not satisfied with the idea of designating Mickey Arthur as the online coach of the Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team. he considers that it is very crucial for Arthur to work at the grass root levels and provide the best possible training to the emerging talents of the country. 

The announcement regarding Mickey Arthur on board soon was made by the Pakistan Cricket Council on Monday, January 30. Reports say that the Council might finalise the veteran coach’s contract in the next couple of days. 

It has also been reported that Mickey Arthur would be coaching the team online for now and is expected to train the squad personally before the World Championship in October 2023, which is scheduled to be organised in India.                                                                               

"The concept of online coaching by a foreign coach for the national team is beyond comprehension; every era has the personal likes and dislikes of the captain to sustain Pakistan cricket. It will be necessary to work at the grassroots to provide the best training to the budding players," Afridi said. 

Previously, Najam Sethi made it clear that Pakistan Men’s Cricket team needed a foreign coach at the moment and Mickey Arthur was a perfect choice. Pakistani spin legend Saqlain Mushtaq abandoned the head coach position after the conclusion of the bilateral series against New Zealand earlier this month. 

Mickey had earlier steered Pakistan from 2016 to 2019 and under his coaching tenure, the Men in Green won their first and only Champions Cup in 2017 and more spice was added up as that win was against their arch-rivals India. Also, Pakistan at that time registered straight 11 T20I series victories under his direction. 

The Babar Azam-led side is presently in a long three months international cricket break and will be back in action on April 13 for the home series against New Zealand.