Mushtaq Ahmed rejoins Bangladesh cricket team as spin bowling coach

Former Pakistani leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has officially rejoined the Bangladesh cricket team as the spin bowling coach, following his recent commitments.

He was part of the coaching staff during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and the Bangladesh tour of Pakistan but missed the tour to India due to prior obligations.

Mushtaq was actively involved in the team’s training at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on October 19, where he provided guidance to players and collaborated with the newly appointed head coach, Phil Simmons, who replaced Chandika Hathurusinghe.

A senior official from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) mentioned that Mushtaq will be available for the upcoming Test series against South Africa and will continue to work with the team on a series-by-series basis.

The board is reportedly keen to secure a long-term contract with him by the end of the year, contingent on his availability.

His return comes at a crucial time as Bangladesh prepares for the two-match Test series against South Africa, with the first match starting on 21 October in Chattogram.

Mushtaq 's previous influence was evident during the T20 World Cup, particularly in the development of young leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.

After missing the recent series against India, Mushtaq 's presence is expected to bolster the squad's performance against South Africa. Reports indicate that he arrived in Bangladesh late on Friday night and was seen during the team's training session on Saturday.

Bangladesh’s Test series against South Africa is followed by another ODI series against Afghanistan and the West Indies, with Mushtaq 's future involvement depending on both his schedule and the BCB's requirements.