‘Snubbed’ Yasir Arafat slams Pakistan's inexperienced potential coaching staff

The 41-year-old former Pakistan cricketer, Yasir Arafat, was the ostensible choice to become the bowling coach of the national team.

Arafat objects to the decision of the Pakistan Cricket Board to hire foreign coaching staff for the national team.

According to sources, Mickey Arthur is gearing up to make his comeback as the national team's consultant. It has also been contemplated that Arthur will bring Grant Bradburn as the head coach, Andrew Puttick as a batting coach, and Morne Morkel as a bowling coach into the coaching personnel.

Previously, Arafat was the most potential contender for the post of Pakistan team's bowling coach.

While speaking to a local news channel, he said; "Mickey met me in England, and we had a long conversation about Pakistan cricket. I told my plans to him if I was given an opportunity to work as the bowling coach."

"He told me that he is giving my name as the national team's bowling coach because he was given the authority to make a coaching team. I made up my mind; in fact, it was an honor for me to serve Pakistan once again," he added.

Arafat stressed the fact that PCB had some budget issues, and that is why they pulled him out of consideration for a bowling coach.

"After our discussion, there came a gap due to PSL. PCB officials were busy there, so I didn't have any contact with them. After PSL, I was told that they needed experience and there were some budget issues, so I wasn't in their consideration anymore. It really surprised me because I had started planning to shift to Pakistan because Mickey confirmed it to me," he said.

"It all happened in no time. Luckily, I got to know all this before resigning from my job. Otherwise, it could have been a problem for me," Arafat further added.

It shouldn't go unnoticed that Yasir Arafat is the only Pakistan test cricketer who has completed England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) level 4 coaching course.

Arafat reinstated that foreign coaching staff might not bring much experience to the camp.

"I heard about the new coaching staff as it is all over the media now. Morne Morkel also doesn't have much experience in coaching. In fact, he was playing in 2019 when I was working as a coach with Surrey," Arafat said.

"The other two coaches, Puttick and Bradburn, are also not that experienced. As far as you talk about budget, so it's the Pakistan team and not a local franchise. If you invest in it, only then will you get results."

Sources further added that Arthur and his team are waiting for the final call rather a confirmation from Pakistan Cricket Board. They are also awaiting their visas. Apparently, Arthur will land here only to sign the contract along with his team.

As soon as the contract signing is done, Mickey will fly back, and Grant Bradburn will most likely lead the coaching team for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. Morne Morkel shall join the national team once he is done with the Indian Premier League (IPL).