Saqlain Mushtaq Archives

WATCH: Saqlain Mushtaq hilarious Pakistan XI for New Zealand clash

Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq took a humorous approach while announcing Pakistan XI for New Zealand clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, leaving everyone amused.

Saqlain was asked to pick an XI for Pakistan’s upcoming Super Eight fixture against New Zealand during a sports program. The picks in the XI left everybody in the studio laughing.

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Former cricketer Mohammad Hafeez also joined in the fun, joking that Mushtaq’s lineup would go down as a “record.”

Saqlain replied with a smile that it’s worth trying this playing XI.

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“Since all the chaos is already made, we might as well give this a try,” further entertaining the audience.

Pakistan is set face New Zealand in their opening fixture in the Super Eight at RPS Stadium, Colombo.

For those unaware, Pakistan finished second in Group A, winning three out of four games. They faced a 61-run defeat against India while securing wins against Namibia, USA, and the Netherlands.

The 2009 champions are scheduled to play England on February 24 before taking on hosts Sri Lanka in their final encounter on Feb 28.

Pakistan Squad

Salman Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq

T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan Super Eights schedule

February 21: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Colombo

February 24: England vs Pakistan – Kandy

February 28: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – Colombo

READ: Heavy rain cancels Pakistan practice before New Zealand clash

Rashid Khan joins Saqlain Mushtaq in elite list with five-for against Bangladesh

ABU DHABI: Afghanistan spin wizard Rashid etched his name into record books, joining former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq in an elite list.

Rashid spun a web around Bangladesh in the second ODI at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, which dismissed the Tigers for a mere 109 runs.

Set a partly 191, Bangladesh’s batting line faltered under pressure and were eventually bowled, which handed Afghanistan a comprehensive 81-run victory.

The leg-spinner picked five for 17 in 8.3 overs while giving away only 17.

With this feat, he entered an elite list of spinners and levelled with Mushtaq for bowlers who have taken the most six-five-wicket hauls in ODI cricket.

Most five-wicket hauls in ODIs among spinners

Muttiah Muralidaran (Sri Lanka) – 10 five-wicket hauls

Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 9 five-wicket hauls

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 6 five-wicket hauls

Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan) – 6 five-wicket hauls

Overall, Rashid now sits in the eighth position of bowlers who have taken more five-fors in 50-over cricket. Former Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis topped the list with 13 five-fors in this format.

Most five-wicket hauls in ODIs

Waqar Younis (Pakistan) – 13 five-wicket hauls

Muttiah Muralidaran (Sri Lanka) – 10 five-wicket hauls

Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 9 five-wicket hauls

Brett Lee (Australia) – 9 five-wicket hauls

Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 9 five-wicket hauls

Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 8 five-wicket hauls

Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 7 five-wicket hauls

Mohammed Shami (India) – 6 five-wicket hauls

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 6 five-wicket hauls

READ: Imam, Shan hold firm after Rabada’s early blow

“It hurts”: Shadab Khan rejects claims of Saqlain Mushtaq’s influence on his career

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has opened up about the continuous chatter surrounding his relationship with former head coach and current PCB mentor Saqlain Mushtaq.

In a candid interview with a local news platform, Shadab addressed the growing narrative that his selection was influenced by his personal ties with Saqlain Mushtaq, whose daughter he married two years ago.

Setting the record straight, Shadab reminded critics of his contributions to Pakistan cricket long before his marriage.

“I’ve been playing for the national team for the past 6-7 years,” he said. “I’ve had some good performances during that time. I got married two years ago, but it hurts when the connection with Saqlain Mushtaq is repeatedly brought up.”

The leg-spinner reserved special criticism for former cricketers who, he believes, should know better.

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“It is especially painful when former cricketers make such remarks because they know what a player goes through,” he added.

Shadab Khan also touched on the invisible struggles players face behind the scenes and how public opinion often hinges solely on results.

“I’ve previously mentioned that a lot of work happens behind the scenes that isn’t visible to the public. But in our country, results are all that matters. We are working hard for them,” he explained.

Speaking about Saqlain Mushtaq’s influence, Shadab acknowledged his father-in-law’s role in helping him refine his bowling but insisted the focus has always been on cricketing growth — not personal connections.

“Saqlain Mushtaq is working with me to improve my bowling. I am hopeful that with his guidance, good results will follow, and there will be consistency in my performances,” Shadab concluded.

READ: Virat Kohli joins Shoaib Malik in elite list of T20 batters

‘If you are truly a top team,’ Former Pakistan cricketer throws down challenge to BCCI

Former Pakistan cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq has challenged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to organize a comprehensive bilateral series against Pakistan across all formats.

While speaking on a private TV channel, Saqlain stated that if the Indian cricket team claims to be dominant, they should have no hesitation in playing a full-fledged series across all formats against Pakistan.

“If we keep politics aside, their players are very good, and they have been playing good cricket,” said Saqlain.

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“If you are really a good team, then let’s play 10 Tests, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is against Pakistan. That would settle everything,” he added.

The remarks came after Pakistan lost to India in a one-sided encounter on 23 February in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Saqlain Mushtaq stated that the Pakistan team has the potential to be a strong one if it dedicates itself to thorough preparation.

“If we get our preparation right and set things in the right direction, we will be in a position to give solid answers to the world and India as well,” he said.

It is important to note that Pakistan and India last played a bilateral series in 2012-2013. During the successful tour of India, green shirts won the ODI series 2-1, while the T20I series ended in a 1-1 tie.

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For the unversed, the 2017 Champions Trophy winners had a forgettable title defence, suffering back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and India before their last group-stage match against Bangladesh was washed out.

Read: WATCH: Glenn Phillips stuns Virat Kohli with one-handed screamer

Saqlain Mushtaq visits Pakistan Strike Force camp, reviews player development

LAHORE: Former cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq visited the ongoing Pakistan Strike Force camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) here on Wednesday, where players are rigorously developing their fitness and batting skills.

The camp, currently in its ninth day, has seen players focusing intensely on fitness and power-hitting efficiency. Head coach Abdul Razzaq is working with the players to enhance their boundary-hitting percentages during power-hitting sessions.

During his visit, Saqlain Mushtaq observed the players’ training sessions and held discussions with the coaching staff regarding player development strategies.

The coaching staff has noted steady improvements in the players’ batting techniques since the camp’s inception.

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With these focused training sessions, the camp aims to prepare the players for high-pressure matches and upcoming international challenges.

The first phase of the Pakistan Strike Force camp is set to conclude on January 30 at the National Cricket Academy. Meanwhile, the second leg of the camp will take place at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan from 1-28 February.

The Strike Force programme will continue throughout the year as elite and emerging players will be invited to the camps from time to time.

Haider Ali, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan are the seven Pakistan-capped players part of the Strike Force camp.

Pakistan Strike Force squad

Abdul Samad (Faisalabad), Afaq Ahmed (Abbottabad), Ali Imran (Islamabad), Amad But (Sialkot), Ashir Mehmood (Sialkot), Haider Ali (Rawalpindi), Hasan Nawaz (Islamabad), Jahandad Khan (Rawalpindi), Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (Karachi), Khayyam Khan (Abbottabad), Khushdil Shah (Peshawar), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Peshawar), Mohammad Amir Barki (Peshawar), Mohammad Faiq (Lahore), Mohammad Faizan (Faisalabad), Mohammad Sarwar Afridi (FATA), Mubasir Khan (Rawalpindi), Muhammad Akhlaq (Lahore), Muhammad Imran Randhawa (Bahawalpur), Muhammad Irfan Khan (Faisalabad), Nasir Nawaz (Rawalpindi), Saad Masood (Rawalpindi), Shawaiz Irfan (Lahore), Usman Khan (Karachi) and Yasir Khan (Rawalpindi)

Player support personnel: Abdul Razzaq (head coach), Humayun Farhat (assistant coach), Kamran Sajid (assistant coach), Yasir Malik (trainer), Suliman Azhar (data analyst) and Shahbaz Aajiz (throwdown specialist)

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Sajid Khan breaks Saqlain Mushtaq’s 24-year-old Test record

Pakistan off-spinner Sajid Khan made history in the second Test match against England at the Multan Cricket Stadium as he picked up 7 wickets, breaking the 24-year-old record previously held by legendary Saqlain Mushtaq.

Sajid Khan grabbed seven wickets to bundle England for 291 on the morning of day three of the second Test on Thursday.

With bowling figures of 7-111, Sajid became the first Pakistani off-spinner to take five or more wickets on home ground since Saqlain Mushtaq achieved this feat in 2000 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium against the same opponents.

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Meanwhile, Noman Ali took the remaining three wickets for Pakistan, justifying the management’s decision to play one pacer and three spinners.

Earlier, England resumed their innings on Day 3 at 239-6 with Jamie Smith (12*) and Brydon Carse (2*) on the crease.

However, they could only add nine runs in the morning before Sajid Khan removed Carse. The off-spinner soon removed Matthew Potts (6) while Smith fell prey to Noman after scoring 21.

Jack Leach played a crucial unbeaten knock of 25 runs, adding 29 runs for the last wicket with Shoaib Bashir (9) before Sajid wrapped up the innings.

Pakistan’s Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood.

England’s Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Matt Potts, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.

READ: India register lowest total at home in first New Zealand Test

Saqlain Mushtaq to mentor Panthers in Champions Cup

Saqlain Mushtaq has been confirmed as the Panthers’ mentor for this month’s Champions One-Day Cup, which will be played in Faisalabad from 12-29 September.

The Panthers have also been allocated the Inzamam-ul-Haq Cricket Academy in Multan to prepare and train during the 2024-25 domestic cricket season.

So far, Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis have been named as mentors of the Stallions, Wolves and Lions, respectively, while Sarfaraz Ahmed will later this week confirm his team name and logo.

The Champions One-Day Cup will feature country’s 150 best of the best cricketers. This will be a 50-over tournament that will be played on a single-league format.

All but 16 September match between Lions and Panthers, which will start at 9.30 am, will commence at 3 pm. There will be three playoffs in four days with the final on Sunday, 29 September.

The Panthers will open their campaign against Misbah-ul-Haq’s Wolves on the opening day on 12 September, followed by matches against Dolphins on 14 September, Lions on 16 September and Shoaib Malik’s Stallions on 21 September.

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Saqlain Mushtaq (is considered as the inventor of ‘Doosra’; set the record for the most ODI wickets in a calendar year with 65 scalps in 1996; following year, he took 69 wickets in 36 matches to better his own record; took two consecutive 10-wicket hauls against India in the Chennai and Delhi Tests; in 1999, became the only Pakistan bowler to take a hat-trick in ODI World Cups, it was his second ODI hat-trick; became the then fastest to take 200 ODI wickets; named as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2000; played in three World Cups and two Champions Trophy events; has previously coached some of the top-cricket playing nations, including Pakistan, England, New Zealand, West Indies and Bangladesh)

“Preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begin with the Champions One-Day Cup, and I am thrilled to play a key role as a mentor for the Panthers, a team featuring some of the finest talent in the country. My objective is clear: to elevate these players’ performance and pushing them to their maximum potential so we can defend our title with distinction.

“The Champions One-Day Cup is more than just a competition; it’s a critical stepping stone for young talent and a cornerstone of Pakistan cricket’s future. The path to the Champions Journey starts with age-group cricket and progresses through district and division levels, ultimately reaching regional and departmental cricket, with the Champions Cup as the final proving ground before achieving national selection.

“I am confident that this well-structured, pyramid-like pathway will nurture skilled and polished players, enabling the Pakistan Cricket Board to build strong, competitive teams across all formats.

“I urge players, fans and all stakeholders to fully support this year’s Champions One-Day Cup. Together, we can ensure its success, laying a strong foundation for the bright and robust future of Pakistan cricket.”

READ: Jason Gillespie backs Shan Masood despite Bangladesh series loss

Saqlain Mushtaq comments on Pakistan’s white-ball captaincy debate

Former Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq shared his two cents on the ongoing debate regarding the white-ball captaincy of the national men’s team.

During an interview with a local cricket website, Mushtaq urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to do long-term planning while making decisions regarding the captaincy of the national cricket team.

Saqlain Mushtaq further added that the concerned authorities within the cricket board should be making decisions regarding the captaincy after analyzing players, who they think are capable enough to lead the team while responding to the calls for the ouster of current whit-ball captain Babar Azam.

“Many people are saying that he [Babar Azam] should quit captaincy and play as a regular player. But all these voices are coming from outside, from people who are watching and listening to things from the outside. These are comments from outsiders,” Mushtaq said.

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“We shouldn’t listen to the voices of those outside. The people inside, who are observing the situation from within, should see what’s really going on and decide who is capable of leading the team effectively.

“If you have to appoint a captain, do you look at the short term, long term, or mid-term? What are you considering when appointing a captain? We don’t seem to have a vision, we look at what’s going to happen tomorrow and appoint a captain, then change the team the next day. Because the people making these decisions don’t even know if they’ll be around tomorrow, there’s no plan for the long term,” he added.

Saqlain Mushtaq further backed his stance by citing the example of left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was removed as T20I captain after leading the national team in just one bilateral series.

“For example, Shaheen was appointed for the short term and he’s already out. Now Babar has come in for the short term, there’s been just one World Cup, and now he’ll be changed. Someone else will come, and then there’s the Champions Trophy, and after that, the T20 World Cup,” he added.

READ: Ravi Shastri picks India-Pakistan clash as his favourite World Cup moment

Saqlain Mushtaq named New Zealand’s assistant coach for Pakistan tour

KARACHI: Legendary Pakistan spinner and former head coach of the men’s national team Saqlain Mushtaq has been roped in by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) as the assistant coach’s role for their upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan.

Saqlain’s first assignment with the Blackcaps will be the five-match each ODI and T20I series against Pakistan, scheduled from April 14 to May 7.

He served as the national men’s team’s head coach for about a 16-month period before his contract ended in February this year.

Notably, the legendary spinner did not get the contract extension as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) eyeing to appoint a new coaching staff led by former head coach Mickey Arthur.

Consequently, the chairman of the PCB Management Committee Najam Sethi has been in talks with the South Africa-based coach and the deal between the two parties has nearly been finalised.

It is worth mentioning that Arthur coached the national men’s side between 2016 and 2019. During his tenure, Pakistan won their last major ICC event – Champions Trophy 2017 – and also rose to the top spot in the T20I rankings.

The South African coach was then removed from the position following Pakistan’s fifth-place finish in the Cricket World Cup 2019.

READ: South Africa move closer to World Cup qualification with Netherlands win

‘Pitch should’ve been more supportive,’ Saqlain on England carnage

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq commented on England’s baton charge on host bowlers as they amassed a mammoth 506/4 on the first day of the Rawalpindi Test and suggested that the pitch should have been more supportive.

Saqlain, in a press conference, following a dominant first day by the English team as four of their batters scored centuries before putting up the highest total on the opening day of a Test match, credited them for their brilliance before complaining about the nature of the pitch.

“England played very well today and we could not bowl according to our plan. There was also a problem with the pitch and I think it should have been more supportive. They just outclassed us and we must credit them,” Saqlain said.

On a question regarding Pakistan’s bowling attack and its struggle against aggressive English batters, Saqlain once again emphasized ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s absence and asserted these were the best available bowlers.

“Shaheen was injured, all we had were these bowlers and we were relying on them. They are also good, their performance was also good but we just couldn’t bowl as per plan,” said Saqlain.

“Muhammad Ali was performing well in domestic cricket, while Abrar and Zahid were also putting up wonderful performances in the camp. We strive to be fair in the selection of the team.

“Both the players were bowling brilliantly in the camp and were doing what they were supposed to do. We needed a bowler who can bowl in long spells with Haris and Naseem. But credit goes to England who had planned well against us.”

Saqlain then went on to respond to a question regarding the outcome of the ongoing Test and emphasized not to talk about it on the first day.

“No doubt England played well on the first day but we should think much about the future of the Rawalpindi Test. This Test will become interesting in upcoming days. It was their day and they outplayed us,” Saqlain concluded.

It is pertinent to mention that England batters Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook all scored centuries to power their side broke a 112-year-old record as they finished the opening day at 506/4.

READ: President Alvi attends historic Rawalpindi Test to celebrate England return