Mushtaq Ahmed to join Bangladesh coaching staff ahead of Pakistan Test series

Legendary leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed is set to join the Bangladesh national cricket team as their spin bowling coach for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan.

Mushtaq, who previously supervised Bangladesh’s spin bowling unit during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, had recently taken up a coaching role with the England U-19 team.

However, he is now available for the Pakistan series, as confirmed by BCB’s cricket operations chairman Jalal Younus in Mirpur on Wednesday.

“He is available for the Pakistan series,” Younus stated. “He has some programmes, so he will be busy till December.”

Younus added that Bangladesh is keen on securing Mushtaq for a long-term coaching role.

“We are trying to have a long-term contract with him after January. We are not sure if he is available and if we will certainly get his service, but we will try our best. We are indeed getting positive vibes.”

Under Mushtaq’s supervision, Bangladesh’s spinners, particularly leg-spinner Rishad Ahmed, have made significant progress. This success has motivated the BCB to pursue a long-term agreement with the former Pakistan legend.

The Bangladesh national team is scheduled to depart for Pakistan in the second week of August.

The first Test will begin on August 21 in Rawalpindi, followed by the second and final Test in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.