Mickey Arthur: Derbyshire cricket chief rejects Pakistani approach

The 54-year-old South African has led Pakistan from 2016 to 2019 when they became the highest ranked Test team.

But he signed a contract extension with Derbyshire last month until 2025.< /p>

"I had a conversation with Mickey on Boxing Day, who said "just to let you know I've been approached about this position," said CEO Ryan Duckett.

"He was very, very clear, while being aware that there may well be rumors starting to develop, that he was absolutely committed to the project he started in Derbyshire," he told BBC Radio Derby.

Arthur was first named times by the county in November 2021 after relinquishing his former post as Sri Lanka head coach.

A statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board said they had "been in talks with former national team head coach Mickey Arthur with a view to appointing him as head coach to guide the team to the Cup 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup and 2025 ICC Champions Trophy".

The statement continues: "Due to his long-term contract with Derbyshire, we have also discussed a proposal to act as a consultant to the PCB on a time-share basis with Derbyshire.

"Unfortunately, however, this option is proving difficult to achieve for various reasons on both sides ."

Arthur has also coached South Africa and Australia, as well as national teams in the T20 in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Derbyshire haven't won a major trophy since the 1990s - despite being promoted from the County Championship Second Division as champions in 2012.

Speaking last month, Arthur said: "We have a team full of potential and I can't wait to develop it and challenge for silverware at the top of county cricket."

< p class="" data-reactid=".6ks9unlntu.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-13">Pakistan explores other potential candidates for role e head coach and say that "some big names are already being studied ration".