Mickey Arthur [Source: @khelshel/X]Former Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Khan has once again found himself in the spotlight after making a strong remark about ex-Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur. The veteran pacer, who has previously made headlines for his comments about Virat Kohli, has now revisited an old chapter of his Pakistan career involving Arthur. Their relationship was never short of friction, with disagreements over fitness, bowling endurance and discipline making headlines during Arthur's time in charge. Years later, Sohail's latest comments have brought that old player-coach equation back into focus.Sohail Khan calls Mickey Arthur mentally illSohail Khan has launched a fresh attack on former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur, openly questioning the coach's state of mind during a YouTube appearance.Speaking on the platform, Sohail said, "Mickey Arthur is mentally ill. I’m saying this openly, he’s mad."The remark comes against the backdrop of a complicated relationship between the two during Arthur's time around Pakistan cricket. Arthur was known for maintaining strict fitness standards and demanding high levels of discipline from his players, while Sohail frequently found himself at the centre of those discussions.Rayham. @RayhamUnplugged Sohail Khan on Mickey Arthur 🗣: "Mickey Arthur is mentally ill person, I am saying this openly and without a doubt." Sep 26, 2026, 2:45 PM One of the biggest points of disagreement was the 42-year-old’s pace bowling endurance. Arthur had publicly pointed out that although Sohail's opening spell could be effective, the quality of his later spells dropped considerably. According to Arthur, that placed additional pressure on the rest of Pakistan's bowling attack.The tension also reportedly spilled into the dressing room. During the second season of the Pakistan Super League, footage emerged of Arthur furiously addressing the Karachi Kings squad, with Sohail among those reportedly subjected to the coach's criticism.How was Virat Kohli and Sohail Khan's relation?While Sohail's latest comments are directed at Arthur, his name has also been associated with Virat Kohli because of their memorable confrontation during the 2015 World Cup.Sohail recalled that Kohli objected to his constant chatter during India's match against Pakistan in Melbourne. The Pakistan pacer claimed he responded by reminding Kohli that he had already played Test cricket while the Indian batter was still playing Under-19 cricket. Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq reportedly intervened, while MS Dhoni also helped calm the situation.Also Read- Virat Kohli Confirms His Last Tournament For IndiaThe rivalry did not end with that exchange. Sohail later made several public comments about Kohli's batting. In a 2023 podcast appearance, he reportedly argued that Rohit Sharma was a better batter than Kohli from a technical perspective and also played down the significance of Kohli's famous six against Haris Rauf during the 2022 T20 World Cup.Sohail had also previously referred to Kohli as "Sher apne ghar ka", a comment that drew attention for its implication about Kohli's performances outside home conditions, a remark which Kohli have now unknowingly put to a challenge by intending to perform at his last World Cup in South Africa.Evidently, the former Pakistan pacer has been willing to speak bluntly about prominent cricket figures, but his relationship with Arthur had its own long-running complications.For the unaware, Arthur's first Pakistan stint ran from 2016 to 2019, during which Pakistan won the 2017 Champions Trophy. Then he returned as team director in 2023 before leaving the role in January 2024.How has Sohail Khan been as a Pakistan cricketer?Sohail emerged spectacularly in Pakistan's domestic circuit during the 2007-08 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Playing for Sui Southern Gas Corporation, he took 65 wickets in his first nine matches. He then made his international debut against Zimbabwe in 2008 and went on to represent Pakistan in nine Tests, 13 ODIs and five T20Is. His wider first-class record stands out with 516 wickets in 121 matches. In List A cricket, he claimed 177 wickets from 98 matches, while his T20 career produced 182 wickets in 148 matches.Sohail was also part of Pakistan's 2015 World Cup squad and most recently featured for Pakistan Champions in the 2025 World Championship of Legends. He took four wickets across four matches in that campaign, continuing his presence in competitive cricket well after his international career had ended back in 2017.Also Read- West Indies ODI Record In India: Wins, Losses, Highest Total, Lowest Total Before 2026 Series
