Mickey Arthur says he will be tough on discipline while working with Pakistan

DUBAI (Staff Report) - Mickey Arthur, the newly appointed Head Coach of the Pakistan cricket team, has said that he will be tough on discipline while while working with the PCB and that he would not welcome any selfish players to the team.

In his first ever interaction with media since being appointed last week, Arthur categorically stated "I want every player to play for the team and matters related to discipline are non-negotiable."

Discipline, fitness and improved performance by batsmen is Pakistan's key to achieve better and better results, he said.

Speaking about Pakistan team's performance, he said that Pakistan has got great bowlers but its batting needs extraordinary improvement. I will also be looking for improved fielding and fitness from players, he added.

Replying to a question, the Australian cricketer said that Pakistan requires players who will continue playing for the country in the long-run. He added that he also wants players who aren't ready to be bullied.

Mickey Arthur's statement comes just days after Pakistani opener Ahmad Shehzad said that runs are more important for him than maintaining team discipline.

Ahmad Shehzad and Umar Akmal were not invited to Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) training camp ahead of the England tour due to their troublemaking behavior during recent series.

Chief Selector Inzamamul Haq said that Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal had not been called to the training camp due to discipline issues and their dismal recent performances.