Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur and bowling coach Azhar Mahmood’s dual roles with the national team and Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Karachi Kings is under the scanner.
Following recent cases of high-profile names being made to give up their PSL roles, the dual role of the two coaches could be taken up for review soon by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Only recently, Pakistan chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq had to give up his role in the PSL draft committee due to a potential conflict of interest. Inzamam stepped down from his PSL role after being involved in a talent-spotting programme run by the Lahore Qalandars.
PCB chief Ehsan Mani has indicated that Arthur and Mahmood’s roles will be taken up on a ‘case-by-case’ basis.
“That (dual roles) is certainly something I will look at,” Mani told ESPNcricinfo.
“I know commitments have already been made and contracts have already been signed so you can’t enter and break them overnight. But if there is a conflict of interest that effects Pakistan cricket, of course I will get into it.
PCB chairman Ehsan Mani.
“(The PCB removed Inzamam from the PSL draft-selection process because) that created a conflict of interest. If he is there with the franchise then he can’t be choosing the players and that made logical sense. In terms of him (Arthur) and others involved with PSL franchises we will look case by case on merit basis and will raise [the issue] with them and consult with people concerned,” he continued.
In 2016, Arthur had stated that he saw no issues of conflict in performing the dual roles.
“I see absolutely no conflict at all and in fact see it as a massive benefit because it allows me to see all the best young talent available,” Arthur had said in 2016.
“I certainly am professional enough not to in any way be biased in selections or opinions on any player because at the end of the day I am here to assist Pakistan cricket and make Pakistan cricket the best and I am not going to jeopardize that in any way.”
Whether Arthur and Mahmood are able to keep their dual roles after the PCB chief’s latest comments remains to be seen.
