Published: Oct 24, 2018, 09:53 AM (IST)
Edited: Oct 24, 2018, 09:53 AM (IST)
Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur and bowling coach Azhar Mahmood have come under the scanner for a potential conflict of interest issue. Arthur and Azhar are also employed as coaches with Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Karachi Kings.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had cracked down on a string of conflict of interest issues after asking big names to relinquish their role in the PSL. The PCB had sacked chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq from the PSL draft committee due to a conflict of interest issue since the former Pakistan captain was involved in a talent-hunt programme spearheaded by Lahore Qalandars, one of the franchise of the PSL. Another member of the selection committee, Tauseef Ahmed, was asked to leave from the PSL draft committee as he was Islamabad United’s spin bowling coach.
PCB chairman Ehsan Mani said he conflict of interest issues will be treated on case-by-case basis. “That is certainly something I will look at,” Mani told ESPNcricinfo on Tuesday.
“I know commitments have already been made and contracts have already been signed so you can’t enter and break them overnight. But if there is a conflict of interest that effects Pakistan cricket, of course I will get into it.
“The PCB removed Inzamam from the PSL draft-selection process because that created a conflict of interest. If he is there with the franchise, then he can’t be choosing the players and that made logical sense. In terms of him [Arthur] and others involved with PSL franchises, we will look case by case on merit basis and will raise [the issue] with them and consult with people concerned.”
According to the report, Arthur does not have the power to pick Pakistan’s squad although his inputs are entertained. However, he has the authority to pick the final playing XI.
In 2016, Arthur negated his dual roles would create any conflict of interest issues. “I see absolutely no conflict at all and in fact see it as a massive benefit because it allows me to see all the best young talent available,” he was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
“I certainly am professional enough not to in any way be biased in selections or opinions on any player because at the end of the day I am here to assist Pakistan cricket and make Pakistan cricket the best and I am not going to jeopardise that in any way.”
