mickey arthur
Mickey Arthur has coached South Africa and Australia in the past.Reuters

Former South African cricketer Mickey Arthur was appointed coach of the Pakistan team on Friday, confirmed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Former Australia cricketer Stuart Law, believed to be the frontrunner in the coaching job, had pulled out of the race just a day ago.

Arthur, 47, has coached South Africa from 2005 to 2010, and Australia from 2011 to 2013.

"Following Waqar Younis' resignation as Head Coach last month, the PCB embarked upon a transparent process of inviting applications from potential candidates for the position of Head Coach," said a statement in the PCB website.

"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," the statement added.

The Pakistan Cricket Board have also mentioned that Arthur will likely be joining the team at the end of the month. The 47-year-old has also served as the head coach of Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Karachi Kings.