4.5 million rands in severance for Mickey Arthur

South African cricket coach Mickey Arthur resigned from his position a few days back citing differences in “vision” for South African cricket with the governing body CSA. Soon after his resignation the entire selection committee was sacked by CSA with a complete revamp expected soon.

Numerous theories ever since have been doing the rounds including Smith-Arthur tussle and teams’ performance as a reason for the upheaval. In a latest revelation, it has come to light that Arthur has been paid a hefty severance amount by CSA which begs a few questions. One, was his resignation a mere formality and that he was actually asked to leave and therefore the severance? Two, Is there something more to it than meets the eye in terms of both internal politics as well as outside political influence?

South Africa is going to be in India for a crucial away series between two closely matched teams from the top of ICC rankings. I just wish South African cricketers arrive here with their focus on Cricket and not the adjoining politics. Politics is going to overshadow cricket this time or so it appears...

Mickey Arthur press conference update

At a press conference in East London, Mickey Arthur confirmed that his resignation was offered due to differences with the cricket board. He said "my vision for the national team differed with that of Cricket South Africa's. I am disappointed, because when I started there I said I wanted to get South Africa to No. 1 in both forms of the game, I wanted to be the first South African coach to win in England, and the first to win in Australia. The only thing I didn't achieve was an ICC trophy."

It was earlier reported in the media that he could have resigned due to differences with team captain Greame Smith and other senior players. Other reports had suggested that board was not very happy with the performance of South African cricket team lately and that had led to differences between the cricket board and the coach.  Cricket South Africa CEO Gerald Majola however mentioned Arthur's tennure as successful but stated that the entire structure of Cricket South Africa would be changed next month.

Mickey Arthur press conference today

As per CSA, Mickey Arthur, the outgoing coach of South African cricket team will hold a press conference today. He is likely to reveal the reasons behind his resignation.

Infact the latest is that Mickey Arthur and CEO Gerald Majola would both be addressing the press. We can now expect to hear the official reasons for Arthurs' resignation and why the selection panel was sacked.

http://www.cricket.co.za/mickey-arthur-press-conference.html

South Africa cricket in disarray as selection panel is sacked

Mickey Arthur's resignation a couple of days back came as a surprise but now it appears to be complete chaos in South Africa cricket as the selection panel is sacked. The news was confirmed by Mike Proctor, the chairman of selectors, on a local radio station in Johannesburg.

Mickey Arthur had earlier quit citing irreparable differences with skipper Greame Smith as the reason. It couldn't have come at a worse time as South Africa prepare to tour India early next month. It appears that Smith and other senior players have the reigns and Arthur possibly lost favour with them. As per the latest, Duncan Fletcher appears to be the front runner for Arthurs job.