Pakistan’s legendary leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed is currently serving as Bangladesh’s spin-bowling coach. Although he has a strong desire to coach his home country, he is hesitant to take up the Pakistan coaching job because of the ongoing instability within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). His biggest concern is the lack of job security and uncertainty surrounding coaching positions.
Pakistan cricket has recently come under intense criticism following a series of controversial decisions during the ongoing series against England. The situation became even more turbulent after seven players were removed from the squad midway through the series and two members of the coaching staff were dismissed. Pakistan had already lost the series after suffering defeats in the first two Tests.
Before the third and final Test in Birmingham, the PCB faced further criticism after deciding to send seven players back home at once.
Against this backdrop, Mushtaq was asked about the possibility of becoming Pakistan’s coach during an appearance on the BBC’s Stumped podcast.
“I would certainly love to coach my own country, especially at this moment,” Mushtaq said. “There is only one thing I want. Sometimes you become fearful of working for your own country when people do not respect you and you can be removed from your position because of emotional decisions. When you see someone being dismissed in the middle of a tour, there will naturally be concern and fear.”
Mushtaq believes that if the instability surrounding Pakistan cricket can be resolved, not only he but many other former and current Pakistani coaches and players would be eager to serve the national team.
“I think if these issues are sorted out, it’s not just me—every Pakistani involved in coaching would want to serve the country,” he said. “This is the right time to take on the challenge and bring out the best in the players. My goal would be to build their confidence for international cricket and create a team capable of genuinely challenging its opponents.”
Mushtaq also expressed disappointment over the decision to remove seven players as well as Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant coach Umar Gul during the series.
“Changing seven players and the management, especially in the middle of a tour, is not the right thing to do,” he said. “This has never happened before in Pakistan cricket. As a Pakistani and a former cricketer, I am deeply saddened. Sarfaraz and Umar Gul are among the most experienced figures in Pakistan cricket and have served the country well. Sarfaraz was also a former captain. If they had to be dismissed, it could have been done after the tour. This is a time to remain calm. Decisions should not be made in haste.”
The 1992 World Cup winner also suggested forming a committee of former Pakistan cricketers to help address the ongoing problems within the country’s cricket administration.
“You can bring former players and captains who led Pakistan during difficult periods in the past to the discussion table and seek their opinions,” Mushtaq said. “If you do not put the right people in the right roles, situations like this will arise. For professional work, you need experts and professionals.”
Mushtaq’s comments highlight both his strong desire to coach Pakistan and his concerns about the PCB’s decision-making process and the lack of job security for coaches. In his view, creating a stable environment is essential if Pakistan cricket is to regain its strength and competitiveness.
