Former Test cricketer Mushtaq Ahmed joins ECB coaching panel

Former Pakistan cricketer Mushtaq Ahmed has recently inked a contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). After his short tenure with Bangladesh in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup co-hosted by the USA and West Indies.

He will be joining the England Under-19 cricket team's coaching panel, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the sport. 

Mushtaq expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to developing young talent under this short-term contract with the ECB. 

"I can't say how long it's [England U19 contract] for. I don't know if he will be available for the Pakistan series," BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said.

"We wanted him for a certain number of days. Before we communicated with Mushtaq [regarding appointment], he had prior engagements till December which included the England U19 job. So we said that we will have him till the World Cup and then we will sit and sort it out," he added.

He has previously worked with the English Cricket Board and stated his satisfaction in returning to contribute to English cricket.

While committed to his involvement in Pakistani cricket, Mushtaq Ahmed affirmed his readiness to serve his country whenever called upon. 

The BCB remains hopeful that they may have Mushtaq available despite his commitments until December.

"That discussion [on renewal] is still ongoing with him. If he lets us know how many days he can be available for us till December in combination with his prior engagements, we will lock him down for those days. After December 2024, we will have a long-term agreement with Mushtaq," he said.

The England U19 team is scheduled to commence a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka U19, with the first match beginning today, July 8, and the second match scheduled for July 16.