Bangladesh Cricket has welcomed former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed as the spin-bowling consultant for their upcoming two-Test series against South Africa. Mushtaq’s return to the Bangladesh coaching setup is a major boost ahead of the highly anticipated series, especially given his experience and previous involvement with the team during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan.
| Series | Mushtaq’s Role | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| ICC T20 World Cup 2024 | Spin Bowling Consultant | Worked closely with the team |
| Bangladesh Tour of Pakistan | Spin Bowling Consultant | Guided players during the series |
| South Africa Test Series | Spin Bowling Consultant | Currently working with the team for the Test matches |
Mushtaq’s Busy Schedule
Mushtaq was initially unable to join the Bangladesh team for their recent tour of India due to other commitments. However, his return for the South Africa series signifies his continued commitment to the team. With a rich coaching history, Mushtaq was spotted working closely with the players during practice sessions at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on October 19. Alongside offering technical advice, he spent considerable time in discussions with Phil Simmons, Bangladesh’s newly appointed head coach.
Series-by-Series Involvement
According to a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official, Mushtaq will work with the team on a series-by-series basis, depending on his availability.
“He [Mushtaq] is here for this [South Africa] series. This year, whenever he is available and does not have any prior commitments, he will work series by series with us. Right now, he is here, we’ll see what happens in the next series,” the BCB official told Cricbuzz.
Potential Long-Term Contract
While Mushtaq’s involvement is currently limited to individual series, the BCB is keen to sign a long-term contract with him by the end of the year. If things go as planned, Mushtaq could potentially continue his work with Bangladesh across multiple series, including the ODI series against Afghanistan and the tour of the West Indies.
| Upcoming Matches | Mushtaq’s Availability |
|---|---|
| South Africa Test Series | Confirmed |
| Afghanistan ODI Series | To Be Decided |
| West Indies Tour | To Be Decided |
A Key Figure in Bangladesh’s Spin Development
Mushtaq Ahmed’s presence in the Bangladesh camp is vital, especially considering the team’s reliance on spin bowling, particularly in home conditions. His vast experience as a former player and coach will be invaluable in preparing Bangladesh’s bowlers for the challenges that lie ahead in the two-Test series against South Africa.
His ability to nurture young talent and work with seasoned spinners has made him a key figure in Bangladesh’s recent successes. With the South Africa series just around the corner, Mushtaq will be crucial in refining the team’s spin strategy and helping Bangladesh capitalize on their home advantage.
What’s Next for Bangladesh and Mushtaq?
While Mushtaq’s availability for the upcoming series beyond South Africa remains uncertain, he and the BCB are optimistic about the possibility of a long-term collaboration. Bangladesh’s packed schedule, including the ODI series against Afghanistan and the West Indies tour, could make having a reliable and experienced spin consultant like Mushtaq instrumental in maintaining consistency and ensuring the team’s continued success,
Mushtaq Ahmed’s return to Bangladesh cricket is a promising development as the team prepares for a challenging Test series against South Africa. His deep understanding of spin bowling, combined with his experience in coaching, will provide Bangladesh with the tools they need to compete at the highest level. Whether or not Mushtaq inks a long-term deal with the BCB remains to be seen, but his impact on the team is undeniable.
