Mickey Arthur believes that Babar Azam should continue as Pakistan team's captain till the ICC World Cup, which is scheduled in India in October-November this year.
According to a local cricket website, Arthur recommended Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to retain Azam as captain till the mega event this year.
Arthur, who landed in Islamabad a day ago to sign his contract as national team director, met PCB management committee chairman Najam Sethi, chief selector Haroon Rashid and Azam.
During his meeting with Sethi, the former head coach, who believed in Azam as a Test player despite all the criticism during his previous stint with the Pakistan team, told the latter that there is no potential option to replace him as captain immediately.
He said that Pakistan team has the capability to win the World Cup under the leadership of Azam. As quoted by the website, Arthur also said that the current team has several match-winners, they just need proper guidance.
In his director role, Arthur will be involved in designing, formulating and overseeing strategies behind the Pakistan men’s team.
The 54-year-old will also be a part of the coaching staff for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, away tour to Australia and home series against the West Indies. He will also be present with the side for Pakistan’s matches against India in the ACC Asia Cup.
Arthur has previously served as head coach of the Pakistan team for three years, having taken up the mantle in 2016. During his tenure, Pakistan also won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017.
However, the PCB had decided to not renew the contracts of Arthur and his support staff, following the team's fifth-place finish at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019.
- Babar Azam