This decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) comes as a late change, with Arafat set to take over from the current high-performance coach, Simon Helmot, for the New Zealand series.

Helmot, initially part of the coaching staff for the ongoing Australia series, is reportedly unavailable due to personal commitments.

This move adds to recent alterations in the coaching setup led by the PCB, which witnessed Mohammad Hafeez assuming the role of team director and head coach for Pakistan’s tour of Australia, succeeding Mickey Arthur and Grant Bradburn. Despite being retained by the PCB, Arthur and Bradburn did not join the Australian tour and await new assignments.

Pakistan’s squad for the New Zealand tour includes players such as Shaheen Afridi (captain), Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, and others.

The schedule for Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand:

• January 12: First T20I – New Zealand vs Pakistan in Auckland
• January 14: Second T20I – New Zealand vs Pakistan in Hamilton
• January 17: Third T20I – New Zealand vs Pakistan in Dunedin
• January 19: Fourth T20I – New Zealand vs Pakistan in Christchurch
• January 21: Fifth T20I – New Zealand vs Pakistan in Christchurch

Mickey Arthur has come to the Pakistan team in a strange deal. He returned as the team director of the team. But at the same time will continue the responsibility of the country cricket team Derbyshire. As a result, the Pakistan Cricket Board is in trouble for taking two responsibilities together. But while Arthur is in charge of Derbyshire, former Pakistan pacer Yasir Arafat will look after the Pakistan team.

Arafat never became a regular player for Pakistan. He played 3 Tests and 11 ODIs for Pakistan after his debut in 2000. However, he is being given the responsibility of bowling coach and assistant coach of the team.

According to Cricinfo, PCB wants to appoint three different coaches in three formats to work with Mickey Arthur. Batting, bowling, and fielding. Yasir Arafat has been selected to fill the position of bowling coach.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board says the team will no longer have anyone as the head coach. The team director is everything. That is why he has been appointed for a second time despite being in charge of Derbyshire. Earlier, Arthur was the head coach of Pakistan from 2016-2019.

Although Mickey Arthur was not in charge, Arthur would contact Arafat when he was looking after Pakistan. Meanwhile, due to being in the order of Derbyshire, Arthur will not be able to be with the team in this year’s Asia Cup.