'I've got a real plan for Pakistan', says Mickey Arthur in first press conference

Published June 9, 2016
Newly appointed coach Mickey Arthur talks to reporters in Lahore. —AP
Newly appointed coach Mickey Arthur talks to reporters in Lahore. —AP

LAHORE: Newly appointed Pakistan Head Coach Mickey Arthur says he's got a 'real plan' to lift Pakistan cricket out of the dumps and hopes his players will banish all their 'fears' as they start a new chapter.

Arthur said that he had a 'real plan' for the national side as he addressed his first presser as the Pakistan coach at Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

"We need to improve our rankings and become more consistent," Arthur said.

"We need to invest in our players and be consistent in our selection," Karachi Kings coach said.

"I've had fruitful discussions with all stakeholders."

"I will manage issues on a day-to-day basis to make sure they don't impact the team's performance," Arthur said.

"I don't care if the team makes mistakes ─ professionals make mistakes," he said, adding, "I don't want us to fear failure. I think any team that fears failure is a team that struggles."

Arthur arrives in Pakistan

Mickey Arthur arrived at Lahore airport on Wednesday night after being granted the visa last week.

The Pakistan Cricket Board announced his arrival on their Facebook page.

He was appointed the national side's head coach last month after a turbulent selection process that saw the names of the shortlisted candidates being leaked to the media.

Mickey Arthur with PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan. ─ DawnNews
Mickey Arthur with PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan. ─ DawnNews

The post became vacant when the former head coach Waqar Younis resigned after an abysmal run in the Asia Cup T20 and the ICC World T20 earlier this year.

Arthur is ranked among top coaches in the cricket world for his extraordinary stint with South Africa. Under his tutelage the Proteas topped Tests, One-Day International, and T20 International rankings.

Arthur seen with Najam Sethi, Shaharyar Khan and Subhan Ahmed. ─ DawnNews
Arthur seen with Najam Sethi, Shaharyar Khan and Subhan Ahmed. ─ DawnNews

The former first-class cricketer coached Karachi-based franchise Karachi Kings in the inaugural Pakistan Super League earlier this year.

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