LAHORE: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee Najam Sethi provided a much-anticipated update on the possible return of former national head coach Mickey Arthur, stating that the negotiations are in the final stages.

While addressing a press conference here on Monday, Sethi shared that his discussion with Arthur is in the final stages and the decision will be made soon.

“If there was any sort of compulsion to take Mickey on board then we would have done that already. It is getting delayed because I’m listening to your voices and conveying it to Mickey that our media is raising questions and you should answer them,” Sethi told the journalists.

“How will you do it? How many times will you come here? How will you manage long distances? Who will be the head coach? Is he competent enough, for you’re nominating to be the head coach? Can’t we find a better option? All these discussions are underway and are in the final stages,” Sethi continued.

“So, the thing is that the decision will be made soon. Mickey and I are in the final stages just like I said last time. I’m not getting answers to my questions, similar to what you are asking me.

“So, he’s answering and we’re analyzing the situation. So, let’s see,” Sethi concluded.

It is worth mentioning that Arthur coached the national men’s side between 2016 and 2019. During his tenure, Pakistan won their last major ICC title – Champions Trophy 2017 – and also rose to the top spot in the T20I rankings.

The South African coach was then removed from the position following Pakistan’s fifth-place finish in the Cricket World Cup 2019.

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