Mickey Arthur has been appointed as the new head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, the governing body of the sport in the country announced on Friday (May 6).

The 47-year-old South African takes over from Waqar Younis, who stepped down from the post following Pakistan's lacklustre show at the recently concluded ICC World T20.

Arthur's appointment comes after several deliberations within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which embarked on a carefully regimented policy to find a suitable coach before the national team's tour of England in July.

Stuart Law, Dean Jones and Andy Moles were said to be other candidates considered for the job before the board narrowed down on the South African.

"A panel was appointed comprising Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, and Faisal Mirza to make recommendations to the PCB. The panel received and reviewed applications forwarded four recommendations to the PCB for it to make a final decision.”

“Following detailed consultations on this matter at the last Board Of Governors' meeting and further telephone consultations by the PCB Chairman with BOG members, discussions with Mickey Arthur were initiated and he has confirmed his acceptance of the post of Head Coach of the Pakistan National Cricket team," a PCB release stated.