Media reports circulated online and on social media that Pakistan's Cricket Board had decided to not renew contracts of Mickey Arthur, coach of the national team and Inzamam-ul-Haq, the chief selector for the World Cup squad.
The reports claimed that former captain Aamir Sohail was being considered for the chief selector position already.
"Sohail's name is top among the list of short-listed contenders…” Press Trust of India said quoting a PCB source.
The report further claimed that it was yet to be decided if Arthur would be replaced by a foreign or local player.
The board reminded all stakeholders that the future of the coach, selector and support personnel will be reviewed after the World Cup and there has been no change to that.
“At a time when the entire country and the Pakistan cricket fans are getting behind the national side, the release and subsequent publication of a factious story, such as this one, seems to be an attempt to derail the Pakistan cricket team’s campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup by creating unnecessary disturbance in camp.
“The PCB has fully backed and supported the chief selector, coach and player support personnel, and will continue to do so at the upcoming tournament.” said the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The news comes at a time when the team’s captain Sarfraz Ahmad along with other international captains met the Queen for a photo opportunity followed by a palace garden party.
Prince Harry also joined the Queen at Buckingham Palace to welcome the players and crack a few jokes.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex meets Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed among others. (Photo by Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Source: Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images
National Dress:
As seen in the photo Pakistan’s captain is the only one dressed in their countries national dress ‘Shalwar Kameez’.
These photos have gone viral on social media with some people praising Sarfraz for representing and promoting Pakistani culture to the world.
While other people on social media have criticized the captain for not wearing a suit and tie.
After losing the one day series against England and the first warm-up match against Afghanistan earlier this month Pakistan faces a tough challenge ahead.
The team will play its first official match of the world cup tomorrow against West Indies.
Pakistan’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Schedule:
May 2019:
West Indies vs Pakistan: Friday 31 May, 19:30 AEST (10:30 UK) – Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
June 2019
England vs Pakistan: Monday 3 June, 19:30 AEST (10:30 UK) – Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Friday 7 June, 19:30 AEST (10:30 UK) – Venue: Bristol Country Ground, Bristol
Australia vs Pakistan: Wednesday 12 June, 19:30 AEST (10:30 UK) – Venue: The Country Ground, Taunton
India vs Pakistan: Sunday 16 June, 19:30 AEST (10:30 UK) – Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Pakistan vs South Africa: Sunday 23 June, 19:30 AEST (10:30 UK) – Venue: Lord’s London
New Zealand vs Pakistan: Wednesday 26 June, 19:30 AEST (10:30 UK) – Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Pakistan vs Afghanistan: Saturday 29 June: 19:30 AEST (10:30 UK) – Venue: Headingley, Leeds
July 2019:
Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Friday 5 July, 19:30 AEST (10:30 UK) – Venue: Lord’s, London
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