When your own country is the opponent on home soil, the challenge is even greater. However, Mushtaq Ahmed has faced this challenge exceptionally well. The legendary spinner was Bangladesh’s spin coach during the recently concluded series against Pakistan.
Before this, Bangladesh had no wins in their Test record against Pakistan, having lost all 13 previous matches. But this time, the Tigers made history. They whitewashed Pakistan 2-0 in their own backyard.
This victory is Bangladesh’s first-ever series win in any format on Pakistan soil. Additionally, after nearly 15 years, the Tigers have achieved the feat of winning a Test series abroad. They dominated with both bat and ball, ensuring the series win. Mehedi Hasan Miraz was named the Player of the Series.
Mehedi Miraz scored 155 runs in two innings with the bat and took the highest 10 wickets in the series with the ball. Shakib Al Hasan also contributed with 5 wickets. In contrast, Pakistan’s three spinners managed only 5 wickets combined.
Behind Bangladesh’s spin success was Mushtaq Ahmed. The legendary Pakistani spinner was part of this historic series win. Despite joining the Bangladesh team for just one series, Mushtaq is satisfied. He feels proud to have played a small role in this achievement.
Mushtaq said, “I am very proud and honored to be a part of this team. When I joined the Bangladesh team for the World Cup, I told them that this team has the ability to challenge any side. Coaching them brings a different kind of joy. The way they played in Pakistan was simply outstanding.”
Mushtaq was thrilled with the performances of Mushfiqur, Miraz, and others. He added, “Everyone fought like tigers. I believe this is the result of a team effort. I am very happy for them.”
Mushtaq believes that this Bangladesh team will perform even better in the future. He emphasized that this belief is rooted in the players’ self-confidence. He said, “I always told them to believe in their ability to perform well. That belief will transform their plans and talent into performance. I believe this team has that belief.”
Mushtaq joined the Bangladesh team in April on a two-month contract ahead of the T20 World Cup. The BCB also included him for the Pakistan series. However, this journey ends here, as he won’t be available for the upcoming India tour.
But Mushtaq has expressed his desire to work long-term in the future, possibly after three months. He said, “I have some commitments in the next three months. My daughter’s wedding is coming up. I also have some grassroots coaching work in Pakistan. I had committed to these earlier.”
“However, my agent is in talks with the BCB. Hopefully, after three months, I can enter into a long-term contract with Bangladesh cricket,” Mushtaq added.
Mushtaq sees a promising spin department in Bangladesh. He said, “If you notice, Taijul and Nayeem were on the bench in this Test series. Both of them are match-winners. Just think about how much competition there is in Bangladesh’s spin bowling department.”
“Rishad is improving a lot with the white ball. In a year or a year and a half, he will improve in red-ball cricket as well. Then he can be considered. However, we need to find a mystery spinner. I have seen 10-15 players in the Dhaka academy. If we work with them, the bench strength will also improve.”
