Mickey Arthur sends clear message to unfit players

Pakistan head coach got furious and upset when Mohammad Irfan came off the field after bowling just five overs

Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has made it clear that he will not tolerate unfit and under-performing players in the national squad following fast-bowler Mohammad Irfan’s injury; after bowling five overs before leaving the field at Headingley in Leeds.

Irfan, who was called into the squad as replacement for injured opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez, managed to claim two wickets in his spell in the fourth ODI against England before going off after complaining about cramps. He was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the tour.



According to Press Trust of India, one well-placed source on the board said, “Irfan is not happy with the way the head coach insisted that he return to Pakistan after he limped off the field with a hamstring strain.”

The source added that after returning to Lahore, the 34-year-old complained to some officials, claiming that he was not unfit; rather he had only suffered a slight calf strain and was fit the following day.

“Irfan said that he told Mickey [Arthur] he was fit, but was still told to return to Lahore and report at the National Cricket Academy and prepare for the upcoming series against the West Indies,” the source disclosed.

Previously, during the fourth ODI, Arthur got furious and upset when left-arm bowler came off the field after bowling just five overs.



The South African coach has allegedly said at team meetings that no compromise would be made on fitness of any player. Therefore, in Hafeez’s case, he made it clear that he would not allow unfit players to travel with the team.

“The head coach also didn’t support a move to allow Hafeez to remain with the team after he was ruled out due to a fitness issue,” said the source.

The source also informed that Arthur has conveyed his concern over the way Irfan was sent to England without first checking his fitness to chief selector Inzamamul Haq.