LAHORE – Mushtaq Ahmed, Bangladesh’s spin-bowling consultant, has highlighted that Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim have significantly boosted the team’s spirit as they prepare for their Test series against Pakistan.
Mushtaq noted, “The players are really looking forward to the first Test. Shakib and Mushfiqur, as senior players, are playing a key role in creating a positive environment. I also want to acknowledge the management’s support for the team. Our focus is now firmly on cricket.”
The Bangladesh team arrived in Pakistan on August 13, after the BCB couldn’t arrange a full team practice session with head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe due to political turmoil in Dhaka. Shakib joined the team in Lahore on Wednesday and participated in their training session shortly thereafter.
Prior to this, Shakib was involved with the Bangla Tigers Mississauga in the Global T20 Canada. His week was eventful, including a match on August 5, just hours after the fall of the Awami League government and Sheikh Hasina’s flight to India. This led to Shakib losing his parliamentary seat and facing fan backlash. He also faced controversy for missing the toss in a critical match, resulting in a forfeit.
Mushfiqur Rahim is currently playing a four-day match against Pakistan A in Islamabad, providing valuable game time despite rain interruptions. This is a rare instance of a Bangladesh A tour aligning closely with the senior team’s tour, and includes other regular red-ball players like Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Nayeem Hasan, and Hasan Mahmud.
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Although Bangladesh has only won one Test series abroad (against the West Indies in 2009), Mushtaq is optimistic about their future prospects. “For a cricketer to succeed, having strong basics and belief is crucial,” Mushtaq stated. “Skills will develop over time. We aim to instill confidence in the team that they can compete with anyone. Bangladesh has shown they can challenge strong teams, and with talented fast bowlers coming through, they are heading in the right direction. With continued learning and self-belief, they can start winning more games abroad.”
Mushtaq also commended the Bangladesh spinners for their eagerness to learn. Legspinner Rishad Hossain, in particular, has shown significant improvement under Mushtaq’s mentorship, ranking among the top wicket-takers in the recent T20 World Cup.
“The spinners are very mature and eager to learn. My role involves providing tactical and technical advice. While technical details can be addressed after matches, tactical guidance includes pitch reading, pace adjustment, and field settings for specific batters. Experience needs reminders too.
“Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are both match-winners. They are enthusiastic learners and good listeners. I feel privileged to work with them and hope to make a positive impact.”
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