Saqlain approached by England for spin consultant role

Off-spinner refuses to blame PCB for not offering him position

KARACHI: Pakistan’s former Test cricketer and the pioneer of the ‘doosra’, Saqlain Mushtaq, revealed there is an offer on the table for him from the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to work as a spin consultant.

The 39-year-old has previously worked as a spin consultant with Bangladesh, New Zealand and West Indies, and also helped off-spinner Saeed Ajmal clear the elbow flex that saw him banned for having an illegal bowling action.



Saqlain said that he has been approached for the role and is strongly considering the opportunity. “There has been an offer from the ECB and it’s a good opportunity,” Saqlain told The Express Tribune.

“I’m always looking for new challenges and I only take jobs in which I feel I can contribute.”

The former off-spinner knows he will be appreciated in England. “There is a thought-process involved in everything teams like England do, because they want to prepare themselves for the opponent they are facing next,” said Saqlain. “It seems common sense but not many teams do so.”

Saqlain played 49 Tests for Pakistan in which he claimed 208 wickets at an average of 29.83. He was one of the finest spinners in limited-overs cricket, evident from his 288 scalps in 169 ODIs at an average of 21.78.

‘PCB can approach whoever’

Saqlain also refused to criticise the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for failing to approach him for a role and instead opting for people who have continuously disappointed in previous capacities.

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“I can’t complain that the PCB didn’t approach me as it is up to them to approach whoever they want,” he said. “I don’t take it personally.”

The Lahore-born also added that he would be selective about what roles he takes up if he is offered something by the board. “Cricket is my passion and I love coaching because I feel it’s my responsibility to give something back to the game. I’m always keen to take up roles where I can help people,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28^th, 2016.

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