An Ugly Incident In Pakistan’s Dressing Room: What Mickey Arthur & Sarfraz Have Done Wrong

Media reports suggest of an ugly incident in Pakistan’s dressing room after Mickey Arthur came down hard on senior cricketers including Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Captain Sarfraz Ahmed yesterday after Pakistan’s batting collapsed again in Centurion. Media reports also claim that both the coach and the captain were involved in a heated argument following which they ended up in a brawl of sorts.

Even if half of what is being reported is true then there is no doubt that Mickey and Sarfraz have been irresponsible and hence, here is a look at what they have done wrong and why.

Read: Pakistan’s First Test Against South Africa: Talking Points From The First Day Of The Centurion Test

Hurting The Dressing Room’s Environment

Pakistan’s dressing room comprises of a lot of young cricketers who naturally, look towards the skipper and the coach for guidance. With the difference of opinion gone public, the dressing room’s environment would be hurt for sure. The entire episode sets a bad precedent and leaves youngsters unsure of whom they should listen to and if it is even worth relying on the advice of either of them.

Read: Pakistan Versus South Africa: Bowlers Who Hold The Key  

Put Themselves Under Extra Pressure

Pakistan were likely to lose the Test series in South Africa; something that the fans and the bosses at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) knew well before the tour began. Therefore, the men in green could have afforded to play fearless cricket. However, with the headlines gone wrong so early in the tour Saifi and Mickey have added pressure on themselves and now have little choice but to look for a miraculous victory at Centurion or in the game that follows next in order to justify their positions.

Read: Pakistani Cricketers Who Broke World Records In 2018

Putting PCB In a Spot Of Bother Before The Next World Cup

There is no way PCB would have wanted to replace Sarfraz before the next ICC world cup that is only six months away. Nevertheless, you just cannot afford to put up with a scenario where the skipper and the coach have a poor working relationship. Therefore, it is only understood that if things remain the way they are then either Saifi or Mickey or maybe even both will have to be shown the door.