Sohail opens up about relation with Arthur

Right-arm pacer says he respects the Pakistan national team head coach

Pakistan right-arm pacer Sohail Khan on Monday dismissed all the rumours that head coach Mickey Arthur has ‘any personal issues’ with him.

Arthur had told ABC radio before the Brisbane Test in the December series against Australia that he had doubts about Sohail’s endurance levels.

"Sohail Khan comes in and swings it right arm, but I've got a doubt about Sohail's comeback ability," Arthur had said at the time. "If he has got to bowl, his first spell's very good, his second spell's okay, his third spell is tough and then you just don't get anything more. That puts a lot of pressure on our other units."

However, Pakistan went on to select him for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG and Arthur had a completely different view of the bowler.

"He has bowled beautifully," Arthur said. "He has trained exceptionally, that's all I can say. I don't know if you've seen him lately, he has lost seven-eight kilos, he's the first guy in the gym at six in the morning.”

Different statements on different occasions and then the outburst during the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) second edition where Sohail seemed liked the centre of Arthur’s rage against Karachi Kings players fuelled the fire further.

However, Sohail tweeted out a statement to clear the air about the matter. “I strongly deny the rumours that Arthur and I have any personal issues or friction,” read the statement. “Our relationship is quite professional and I have great respect for him.”

‘No issues with Inzamam’

Sohail Khan was dropped from the limited-overs squad for the tour of West Indies even after bagging the best bowler of PSL2 award. His non-selection gave birth to many claims, one of which said that he was not happy with the selectors.

However, the 33-year-old’s also clarified that he has no issues with any selector, including national selection committee head Inzamamul Haq. “I also do not have any issues with the living legend Inzamam bhai or any other selectors.”

Sohail added that he is happy with his current form. “My job is to work hard and put up a better show for Pakistan and I work on that all the time,” he said. “Also, with my current form with both bat and ball, please know that I am having the time of my life.”

Arthur’s rage against Karachi Kings’ players

During the PSL2, a video went viral on social media where Arthur was seen giving the hairdryer treatment to the Karachi Kings players, especially Sohail. The Karachi pacer, when asked about it, revealed what was happening.

“There was no fight between me and Arthur,” Sohail clarified to The Express Tribune when he was called for confirmation over the statement. “He was pointing out everyone’s mistakes. He wasn’t targeting me individually. When a coach tells something to players, be it aggressively or normally, it is a player’s duty to listen to him and implement his ideas.”