SA's Arthur gets T20 coaching gig in New Zealand

Cape Town - South African Mickey Arthur has landed a new coaching gig with the Central Stags in New Zealand.

According to the official ICC website, Arthur will coach the Stags in the Super Smash T20 competition.

It's the 51-year-old's first coaching gig since his contract as Pakistan coach was not renewed after the Cricket World Cup.

Pakistan lost heavily to arch-rivals India at the World Cup in England but finished with a record of five wins from nine matches, including one rained out match. They scored 11 points and were narrowly pipped to the semi-finals by New Zealand on net run-rate.

Arthur had asked for a two-year contract extension and was unhappy his contract at Pakistan was not renewed.

"I am extremely disappointed and hurt," the South African told AFP shortly after the Pakistan Cricket Board announced his departure last month. "I did my wholehearted effort to lift Pakistan cricket," he added.

Arthur, who previously coached South Africa and Australia, will now take charge of the defending champions in New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition from December 1.

"I am really looking forward to joining up with the team at Central Districts," Arthur said via a press statement.

"I have always admired New Zealand cricket and to work in the system is going to be very exciting. This is a great opportunity for me and I can't wait to help the Central Stags defend the title, but also, to contribute to an environment of excellence and enhance the skills of the cricketers."

Pete de Wet, the Central Districts chief executive, added: "This is a significant day for CD cricket and for the Central Stags. Mickey is a clearly world-class coach who most recently oversaw a Pakistan team now ranked No 1 in the world in T20 cricket. With our talented group of players, we know that Mickey will positively impact our group.

"With an ICC T20 World Cup on the horizon, this is a well-timed investment that we hope will see more Stags representing New Zealand in the Black Caps in Australia next year."

- Compiled by Herman Mostert

??BREAKING NEWS??

We are extremely proud to announce MICKEY ARTHUR is our Central Stags #T20 coach for 2??0??1??9??/2??0??!
Welcome, Mickey!

Full story?? https://t.co/UnaCoZrgne#LOVETHESTAGS ??#CricketNation #SuperSmashNZ pic.twitter.com/j2WMcdRNa6

— Central Stags ?? (@CentralStags) September 18, 2019