England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is looking to rope in Pakistan's former Test spinner Saqlain Mushtaq on a short-term contract when England hosts Pakistan for two and a half months long later this summer.

The Guardian reported that ECB has approached the spin-wizard and that talks are underway.

Mushtaq donned Pakistan colours from 1995 to 2004, bagging 496 wickets across all formats.

The 39-year-old is widely accredited for the innovation of 'Doosra' — an off-spinner's googly.

The Lahore-born worked with Saeed Ajmal to help him remodel his bowling action after he was banned by the International Cricket Council for an illegal action.

Mushtaq last played for Pakistan in 2004 against India in the Test that is remembered for Virender Sehwag's extraordinary batting. India rode on Sehwag's 309 to an innings and 52-run victory in the first of the three-Test series.

If the two parties are able to break the deal, Mushtaq would be the second Pakistani to work with the English cricket team in the coach's capacity. Previously, Pakistan's former leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed worked with England as spin bowling coach from 2008 till 2014.

Opinion

Strategic confusion

Strategic confusion

There is a perception that, more than a backlash from the masses over unpopular decisions, the establishment is apprehensive of the historical factor.

Editorial

March to war?
Updated 22 Feb, 2026

March to war?

With his huge build-up of forces around Iran, and frequent threats targeted at the Islamic Republic, the US president has created a very difficult situation for himself.
Paper proscriptions
22 Feb, 2026

Paper proscriptions

THE Punjab government’s decision to publicly list 89 banned and unregistered groups, and to warn citizens against...
Cricket politics again
Updated 22 Feb, 2026

Cricket politics again

Pakistan refused to play India at the ongoing T20 World Cup and only changed its mind in view of the game’s greater good. It is time for India to reciprocate.
BoP meets
Updated 21 Feb, 2026

BoP meets

Trump told the meeting that “we will help Gaza”. So far no help has been visible.
Out on the streets
21 Feb, 2026

Out on the streets

IT had been in the offing for a long time but the latest controversy proved too much for Tariq Hussain Bugti to ...
Karachi tragedy
21 Feb, 2026

Karachi tragedy

APPALLNG firefighting facilities, lax regulations and an uncaring provincial government fan the flames of tragedy in...