Mickey Arthur will join the Pakistan cricket team by the end of May. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan face some of the toughest opponents in the upcoming months starting with a series against England in July, Australia in December and against West Indies in UAE.
Mickey Arthur will be successful, says PCB chairman
"I think in eight months’ time we will know whether he will make a difference or go like others before him,” said Akhtar. “Because, in this period, we play some very important series and either he will reshape the way we play our cricket or decide to bid goodbye.”
Akhtar also believes that a foreign coach’s job becomes difficult in Pakistan where the cricket culture is different from other countries but he is hopeful that Arthur can deliver.
Pakistan's style of cricket has to change, says new coach Mickey Arthur
"Arthur has a reputation of being a disciplinarian and innovative coach and Pakistan cricket needs both but he has to decide when and where to draw the line," said Akhtar. "Arthur has all the credentials to change the attitude and mind set of our players the way they play top cricket. So I am hopeful."
Commenting on Pakistani batsmen Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal and their exclusion from the training camp on disciplinary grounds, Akhtar said everyone has backed them enough and they haven’t yet delivered their best.
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"For a long time we have all backed them, appreciated and encouraged their undoubted talent but while others, who started with them have moved on to become top performers for their country, we are yet to see the best from them."
The 40-year-old also criticised the month-long training camp for Pakistani players before the tour to England by saying that one fitness regime cannot be applied to everyone.
"I don't understand this practice because it is hot and every player has his own particular fitness issues and requirements,” said Akhtar. “You cannot lay down same fitness standards for a batsman, spinner and fast bowler. It makes no sense to me. I always had a knee problem but carried on for so long in international cricket because I knew what I had to do."
Shoaib Akhtar was quoted by Press Trust of India
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