ISLAMABAD: Cricket’s embrace of innovation continues as Rangpur Riders announced that Mickey Arthur will coach the team remotely during the 2025 Global Super League (GSL).
Despite being nearly 7,500 kilometers away in Derbyshire, England, Arthur will guide the Riders as they aim to defend their GSL title.
Arthur, currently head coach of Derbyshire County Cricket Club, will not be physically present in Guyana due to the ongoing English County Championship.
However, he will remain deeply involved—watching matches live, advising on tactics, and communicating with players throughout the tournament.
Remote Coaching, Proven Results
This is not uncharted territory for Mickey Arthur.
He coached Rangpur Riders remotely during their 2024 GSL title-winning campaign and previously served as Pakistan’s team director while simultaneously coaching Derbyshire in 2023.
At a press conference in Dhaka, Shanian Taneem, Team Director of Rangpur Riders, stated:
“As Mickey is currently coaching Derbyshire, he cannot be with us in person. Therefore, we’ve appointed Greg Smith as interim head coach—someone Mickey fully trusts. Mickey will stay connected and provide strategic input remotely.”
Strong Squad for Title Defence
The Riders also unveiled their official squad for GSL 2025, featuring notable international names including Akif Javed, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Khawaja Nafay from Pakistan.
Rangpur Riders GSL 2025 Squad:
Nurul Hasan (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Naim, Mahidul Islam, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mohammad Saif, Abu Hider, Rakilbul Hasan, Yasir Ali, Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ibrahim Zadran, Akif Javed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Harmeet Singh, Khawaja Nafay
Arthur’s remote coaching model relies on seamless communication, advanced analytics, and deep trust in his support staff.
If successful again, it could set a new precedent for hybrid coaching models in global franchise cricket.
