Saqlain Mushtaq to coach England cricket team in India

Abdul Ghaffar Published October 28, 2016

Former Pakistan Test Cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq will travel to India next month where he will serve as spin consultant for the England team ahead of five Test match series.

Saqlain confirmed to DawnNews that he got a 15 days visa and will fly to India on Nov 1. The first Test between India and England will start from Nov 9 in Rajkot.

Rated as one of the best off-spinners of modern cricket and inventor of the 'Doosra', Saqlain previously worked with England, New Zealand and West Indies as spin consultant.

During Pakistan's recent tour to England, Saqlain briefly worked with England cricket team and after his guidance England batsmen played Yasir Shah well in 2nd and 3rd Test after the player destroyed England in the first Test at Lords.

Saqlain also helped Saeed Ajmal remodel his bowling action after the off-spinner was suspended from bowling in international cricket. However, Saqlain has yet to work with Pakistan Cricket Team in a major role.

Sport

HBL PSL 2024: United edge Kings in high-stakes encounter

Babar Azam slammed for poor captaincy

All to play for after Australia, England clash washed out

Indian Kashmiri

Oct 28, 2016 02:30pm

England beat India last time they toured. Saqlain has a brilliant record in India and should help England win again.

Recommend 0

Basit

Oct 28, 2016 02:32pm

Saqlain. Great work!!!

Recommend 0

Umer

Oct 28, 2016 02:33pm

Saqlain, The magician.

Recommend 0

D.K. PAMNANI

Oct 28, 2016 02:40pm

@Indian Kashmiri Let us see what will happen but I can assure you, India will beat England conveniently. Do not worry

Recommend 0

SAEED MASOOD

Oct 28, 2016 02:41pm

Why Saqlain, Saeed Ajmal, Waseem Akram and many more don't coach and train Pakistan ballers.

Recommend 0

Bangla_First

Oct 28, 2016 02:41pm

Brother India Please take revenge from England. They somehow managed to win bangladesh. And revenge will be sweeter as Saqlain is also involved

Recommend 0

Animesh

Oct 28, 2016 02:45pm

@Indian Kashmiri :: Saqlain's career was over after Sewhag's triple..

Recommend 0

Ady

Oct 28, 2016 02:45pm

@SAEED MASOOD Because Pakistanis don't pay them and do not give them the respect they deserve.

Recommend 0

Animesh

Oct 28, 2016 02:46pm

Saqlain should help Pakistan rather so that they can win a few against India in ICC trophies

Recommend 0

Neighbour

Oct 28, 2016 02:48pm

Welcome to India. Hope local Indian parties like MNS/ Shivsena don't make a scene out of it. We Indians too liked that generation pakistani cricketer like Saqlain, Inzi, Younis, Wasim, Saeed anwar and shoib too. they were good and nice people.

Recommend 0

Anuj

Oct 28, 2016 02:58pm

@Indian Kashmiri brilliant record! Check again. His career was ended abruptly by Sehwag.

Recommend 0

Revenge

Oct 28, 2016 03:00pm

@Indian Kashmiri sehwag ended his career with ease.

Recommend 0

Pakistan Zindabad

Oct 28, 2016 03:03pm

No body can trouble with England. (Not) Dear Indian Authority ! How a Pakistani Got Indian Visa? Or may be he's holding UK Nationality.

Recommend 0

Pakistan Zindabad

Oct 28, 2016 03:05pm

@SAEED MASOOD It is a bitter truth but they can only be well treated or disciplined by White people only. Pakistan Player never give respect to their own officials.

Recommend 0

Kartikey

Oct 28, 2016 03:16pm

@Indian Kashmiri this time England will face whitewash like NZ

Recommend 0

lahore_king

Oct 28, 2016 03:19pm

@Neighbour I didn't like inzi and akthar

Recommend 0

Vbhasky

Oct 28, 2016 03:19pm

@Indian Kashmiri don't get too much stressed abt the Indian loss. Hope u will enjoy the game

Recommend 0

vbhasky

Oct 28, 2016 03:27pm

@Bangla_First Bangla will win the 2nd test

Recommend 0

Gulfy

Oct 28, 2016 03:28pm

@SAEED MASOOD - PCB politics. It's a shame our talent is being used by others.

Recommend 0

Abhi

Oct 28, 2016 03:33pm

I am expecting that India will crush Kiwis by 5-0

Recommend 0

Syed Zafar Kazmi U.S. A

Oct 28, 2016 03:34pm

And this Saqalain, a genius recognized by the whole world, has no use in his own country.

Recommend 0

Mamun from Bangladesh

Oct 28, 2016 03:35pm

Alimdar was forced to back to Pakistan despite being an ICC staff. I'm sure this time nothing like that will be happened. Because its England. they won't tolerate any disturbance with their beloved coach Saqlain.

Recommend 0

Sohrab Goth Wala

Oct 28, 2016 03:48pm

As a neutral opinion, No doubt best cricket team to date is South Africa (Due to batting only) and India as a whole.

Recommend 0

shahzaib latif

Oct 28, 2016 03:51pm

@Bangla_First you want to say enemy of enemy is our friend. I would suggest you to win at least one game yourself and don't ask others to take your revenge also in cricket apart from what you have had been asking and following for decades.

Recommend 0

shahzaib latif

Oct 28, 2016 03:55pm

@Anuj , Sehwag didn't end his career. His career ended due to a severe back injury which he carried before that series and continued with that.

Recommend 0

Prashant Mishra

Oct 28, 2016 03:59pm

Saq is one of the greatest best off spinner I had ever seen being an Indian i was in awe when he bowled doosra man he was awesome.

Recommend 0

J.Niaz

Oct 28, 2016 04:04pm

Good luck in India. And get back as soon as you can.

Recommend 0

Anuj

Oct 28, 2016 04:11pm

@shahzaib latif nice excuse, saw his bowling in that test. Much less experienced Sehwag was scoring against him at will.

Recommend 0

Citizen

Oct 28, 2016 04:19pm

@Mamun from Bangladesh, it doesn't make any difference to India if England gets upset, haven't you heard who is the new boss in world cricket?

Recommend 0

Yasser

Oct 28, 2016 04:24pm

Come on England.... let's beat the hell out of India. If they don't want to play with Pakistan we have 3 players of Pakistani descent in the England team.

Recommend 0

Satyawadi

Oct 28, 2016 04:26pm

@SAEED MASOOD That's because they saw the thankless treatment faced by waqar.

Recommend 0

Mubashir Mahmood

Oct 28, 2016 04:37pm

It will be interesting to see now what will be reaction of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena.

Recommend 0

Harmony-1©

Oct 28, 2016 04:38pm

@SAEED MASOOD - Bowlers not 'ballers'.

Recommend 0

PHILOSOPHER (FROM JAPAN)

Oct 28, 2016 04:43pm

...and we didn't capitalize him. Very unfortunate.

Recommend 0

shahzaib latif

Oct 28, 2016 04:46pm

@Anuj and you are forgetting the way he tormented india many times especially in 99 series. The great little master had no idea how to treat him.

Recommend 0

Haider

Oct 28, 2016 04:47pm

Great bowler and great human being saqlain!

Recommend 0

sam

Oct 28, 2016 04:47pm

@Yasser pakistan could never beat india in any of the recently concluded india pakistan matches.

Recommend 0

Jonty

Oct 28, 2016 05:03pm

@Animesh you wish! Sehwag was dropped many times in that match including off Saqi. Saqlain lost out thanks to PCB's strategy to sideline him in place of Danish Kaneria and Shoaib Malik

Recommend 0

Karim USA

Oct 28, 2016 06:12pm

@SAEED MASOOD PCB is more about politics and less about sports. They have a habit of looking for coaching and support talent outside the country.

Recommend 0

Gaurav

Oct 28, 2016 06:46pm

Why isn't he helping his Pakistani team?

Recommend 0

Sanjay

Oct 28, 2016 06:46pm

India will have to improve their performance by leap and bounds or the English team will just trash them into the Indian ocean.

Recommend 0

amit

Oct 28, 2016 07:05pm

@shahzaib latif have you forgot the last over of saqlain in independence cup final 1998. Indian tail ender hit him for boundary and chased down 315 to won the trophy. It was a world record then

Recommend 0

J. Gamble

Oct 28, 2016 07:31pm

@D.K. PAMNANI -and I can assure you that England would beat India badly.

Recommend 0

Bangla_First

Oct 28, 2016 07:34pm

@shahzaib latif: I think you forgot 3-0 loss to bangla shers recently.

Recommend 0

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Oct 28, 2016 07:34pm

Real talent speaks for itself. For Saqlain Mushtaq, its a great journey of studded with hard work, sweat, toil, dedication, faith and perseverance from "Majeethia Hall" ground Nicolson road Lahore, to Lords cricket ground. Keep it up and hang on tough.

Recommend 0

J. Gamble

Oct 28, 2016 07:35pm

@Abhi -NZ are going to win ODI series 3-2.

Recommend 0

Koli

Oct 28, 2016 07:36pm

We are happy India runs helps nurtures cricket across the globe with an example in sporting industry , you can see results with Bangladesh and Afghanistan right next to Pakistan in rankings.

Recommend 0

J. Gamble

Oct 28, 2016 07:43pm

@Koli =I don't get it. Please don't speak French here.

Recommend 0

Atif

Oct 28, 2016 07:51pm

@Animesh Get your facts right. Saqlain's career was ended due to injuries!!

Recommend 0

Masoud

Oct 28, 2016 08:07pm

Test for Modi government, see if Saqlain is allowed to coach England team in India.

Recommend 0

pundai periyar

Oct 28, 2016 08:23pm

instead, England can watch Ashwin and learn from him

Recommend 0

J. Gamble

Oct 28, 2016 08:30pm

@Masoud=I think you missed it out. The news says he got 15 days visa.

Recommend 0

Prateik

Oct 28, 2016 08:37pm

Saqlain Mustaq is spent force.

Recommend 0

J. Gamble

Oct 28, 2016 08:40pm

I'd appreciate if someone can explain what "doosra" means?

Recommend 0

J. Gamble

Oct 28, 2016 08:49pm

@Prateik -He is going to be Spin Consultant for England, and not going to play for England. He has some skills, which he is going to share with English Spin bowlers/batsmen.

Recommend 0

Ali Khan

Oct 28, 2016 08:52pm

Stay safe Saqlain, lots of jealous people live in that country.

Recommend 0

J. Gamble

Oct 28, 2016 09:05pm

@Ali Khan -Sania Mirza, Tennis player from India married a Pakistani Cricketer. It created no fuss in India.

Recommend 0

Oct 28, 2016 09:05pm

@J. Gamble Doosra is an offspinner's equivalent of a googly. A ball turning away from a right hand batsmen which is a surprise considering the standard ball from a offspinner turns into the right handed batsman

Recommend 0

Tahir A

Oct 28, 2016 09:08pm

He is a dual nationality British Citizen too and that shouldn't present a visa problem and harassment from the Thackrey mobs. Good luck. A job is a job.

Recommend 0

srinath

Oct 28, 2016 09:18pm

@pundai periyar lol dude, i am a tamilian and your name is awesome.. =D i hope saqlain enjoys a happy journey out here.

Recommend 0

srinath

Oct 28, 2016 09:19pm

@J. Gamble they are going to lose 3-2 against a 3rd string indian team

Recommend 0

Keen observer

Oct 28, 2016 09:44pm

Will MOdi cricket board allow saqlain in India?

Recommend 0

Lafanga

Oct 28, 2016 09:45pm

I hope he doesnt visit Mumbai for his own safety.

Recommend 0

J. Gamble

Oct 28, 2016 09:52pm

@Keen observer -Please read the main news keenly.

Recommend 0

vish1

Oct 28, 2016 09:58pm

@Indian Kashmiri ! Don't hung up on what happened last time! if 'last time' is so indicative, you should never expect Pakistan to defeat India in the ODI world-cup!

Recommend 0

Saif

Oct 28, 2016 10:14pm

@D.K. PAMNANI: India will win easily if they make kind of pitches they made against South Africa on SA's last visit to India. But you can hardly call that cricket.

Recommend 0

Saif

Oct 28, 2016 10:18pm

@Vbhasky : "Hope u will enjoy the game". That's what we all want to do and that's why I hope BCCI does not make pitches like the ones they made agains SA in their last tour to India.

Recommend 0

shahzaib latif

Oct 28, 2016 10:23pm

Last time eng won against india was due to g swann and alaster cook. Swann is not here, let see how cook applies himself now.Let see how much square turners india prepares this time.

Recommend 0

Others

Oct 28, 2016 10:34pm

@Bangla_First "Brother India Please take revenge from England. They somehow managed to win bangladesh. And revenge will be sweeter as Saqlain is also involved" Inshallah, it will happen brother...

Recommend 0

Shakil USA

Oct 28, 2016 10:52pm

Saqlain is a legend and recognized around the cricket world and sadly have no use in own country, its pretty sad as to why PCB not have him as our spin consultant so we cannot fall behind.

Recommend 0

Oct 28, 2016 10:56pm

@Indian Kashmiri England are the only team to have beaten India in India in the last 10 years, and that too by a tiny 2-1 margin. This series is going to be very very interesting and hardfought. Saqlain is a good brain but cannot alone be a major factor. I would still give the series to India.

Recommend 0

Oct 28, 2016 10:56pm

@Bangla_First Don't worry Sonar Bangla we will beat them.

Recommend 0

Srinath

Oct 29, 2016 12:37am

@Saif dude, ever saw this series against new Zealand? Esply the Kolkata one was a green pitch.. I guess you haven't watched a sport called cricket.. do watch it dude, it's a nice game.

Recommend 0

Srinath

Oct 29, 2016 12:38am

@vish1 man!! You hit the nail on the head..

Recommend 0

iqbal Khan

Oct 29, 2016 12:50am

Not the right time to go to India .Shiv sena will come after him .

Recommend 0

GREAT

Oct 29, 2016 01:21am

Saqlain would surely forget his spin bowling coaching after seeing sehwag doing commentary in India as it would remind him of how sehwag tormented him while scoring triple century.

Recommend 0

Raj Toronto

Oct 29, 2016 06:22am

Shiv sena should stop his entry at any cost. There can be some terror plot against peaceful people of my country.

Recommend 0

POINTONOTE

Oct 29, 2016 07:31am

Saqlain is a Pakistani National and his chances of obtaining visa to enter India are almost zero unless the matter is taken up by British Ambassador to India.

Recommend 0

POINTONOTE

Oct 29, 2016 07:54am

@Bangla_First What harm Saqlain has done to you or Bangladesh Cricket ? In fact Pakistani's has always supported BD Cricket Team in the past and will continue to do so in future irrespective of your negative comments related to Pakistanis.

Recommend 0

LOUDSPEAKER

Oct 29, 2016 08:00am

@Animesh .....and Zaheer Abbas single handedly ended the careers of your spin trio of Prasanna, Bedi, and Chandrashekhar in 1978.

Recommend 0

MYRESPONSE

Oct 29, 2016 08:06am

@Revenge ...moving forward, please let us know who is responsible for ending Sehwag' career.

Recommend 0

MYRESPONSE

Oct 29, 2016 08:21am

@Bangla_First So what ? Victories and defeats are part of the game.

Recommend 0

Rafique

Oct 29, 2016 08:31am

England should be careful regarding Radicalization of their team.

Recommend 0

MYRESPONSE

Oct 29, 2016 09:22am

@Sohrab Goth Wala I think India is best in India, Australia in Australia, and South Africa in South Africa.

Recommend 0

REVERSESWING

Oct 29, 2016 10:07am

Forget about England's chances of surviving the series against India. It will be a miracle if England save at least one test. India will field a very balance team but their real strength lies in their bowling. Hard time ahead for Alaister Cook and his men. Good luck Captain Cook.

Recommend 0

Third Umpire

Oct 29, 2016 10:47am

@Neighbour He holds a British passport. So there should not be any problems for him in India.

Recommend 0

Koli

Oct 29, 2016 11:08am

Dear Gamble - Doosra means when a off spin bowler , spins a ball on opposite direction of off break .

Recommend 0

D.K. PAMNANI

Oct 29, 2016 12:44pm

@J. Gamble Rest assured, you will see the results. Do not take any tension.

Recommend 0

TRUE BLUE INDIAN

Oct 29, 2016 02:12pm

@J. Gamble Let's get back here once series is over

Recommend 0

Saif

Oct 29, 2016 02:21pm

@Srinath : Did I say pitches against New Zealand? No. Read again, brother. Since you have not said even one word about the half prepared pitches against SA, in other words you agree what india played against SA wasn't cricket. However, I agree with you that cricket is a nice game but only when played in right spirit! I hope India plays cricket when England visit India.

Recommend 0

vish1

Oct 29, 2016 07:42pm

@Saif ! Both the team play on the same pitch! Please, stop complaining about the pitches! Find another excuse...

Recommend 0

diwakar

Oct 30, 2016 11:41am

@Pakistan Zindabad .Because he is a British Passport holder now.Just like Azhar Mahmood who played in couple of IPLs.

Recommend 0

diwakar

Oct 30, 2016 11:44am

@LOUDSPEAKER . For your kind information, Greatest Indian spin quartet started their career in early 60s the story you are refering is of 1978.

Recommend 0

diwakar

Oct 30, 2016 11:46am

@Yasser .Players of pakistani decentry won't be able to save England.

Recommend 0

diwakar

Oct 30, 2016 11:51am

@POINTONOTE .I read somewhere that he is holding a British Passport now.

Recommend 0

Sivaram Pochiraju

Oct 30, 2016 12:05pm

We, Indians and Pakistanis, take great pride in making too much of noise as can be seen here. Saqlain is undoubtedly a great spinner. That's the reason why England team hired him, otherwise they could have hired one of us. What happened to Mushtaq, the bowling coach ?

Recommend 0