It was hostile environment in Ahmedabad in the WC match against India: Mickey Arthur

Former Pakistan team director, Mickey Arthur, reflects on the tough moments during the ODI World Cup match against India and the lack of support for the team, while defending his role as director and emphasizing the need for stability and trust within the team.

Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s former team director, admitted that the ODI World Cup match against India at Ahmedabad was one of the toughest moments during his stint, taking the side through a hostile environment.

Arthur moved on after Pakistan failed to reach the semifinals of the showpiece event last year, while former all-rounder Mohammed Hafeez replaced him in the role.

"It was extremely tough not having any Pakistan support. The one thing that really drives the Pakistan team is the incredible support they receive at grounds and hotels. Here we never had that, and that was quite tough in a World Cup, particularly for the players,” Arthur was quoted as saying by the ‘Wisden.’

Also Read: Ind vs Pak | It looked like a bilateral series, not like an ICC event: Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur 

“As you can imagine it was a tough, hostile environment in Ahmedabad. But we were expecting this, and to their credit our players never moaned or complained once. They cracked on and tried their best — nevertheless it ultimately does play a role in motivation when you can’t see or hear that support base around you,” he added.

Pakistan’s World Cup campaign was as usual marked by high-level off-field turbulence, including news about dressing room discord and leaked WhatsApp conversations of then skipper Babar Azam.