Pak vs Ban: Mushtaq praises Shakib, Mushfiqur for uplifting team amid political turmoil

Bangladesh’s spin-bowling coach, Mushtaq Ahmed, praised star players Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim for motivating their team before their Test matches against Pakistan. The team had faced challenges due to political unrest in Bangladesh.

“All the players are mature and excited,” Mushtaq said in Lahore on Thursday. “The management is doing a great job, and seniors like Shakib are positively influencing the younger players.”

The Bangladesh team arrived in Lahore four days earlier than planned because protests in their country disrupted their training, as reported by Arab News.

In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) allowed the team to have an extra three days of training in Lahore before the first Test in Rawalpindi on August 21. This gesture was well-received in Bangladesh.

“All the stakeholders in Bangladesh appreciate the PCB’s gesture,” Mushtaq said. “This strengthens the relationship between PCB and Bangladesh, and it’s good for cricket.”

Mushtaq noted that despite being a lawmaker in Sheikh Hasina’s government, Shakib was selected for the series and was playing in a T20 league in Canada when Hasina was in power.

He also praised Mushfiqur Rahim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed for spreading positivity among the players before the big matches.

“They are all playing positive roles,” Mushtaq said. “They are focused on cricket now, and everything is going well. I give credit to the team management.”

Mushtaq added that the final team selection will be made after assessing the conditions in Rawalpindi.

“Spinners are crucial in Test cricket, and their importance cannot be denied,” he said.

The series will begin in Rawalpindi on August 21, followed by the second Test at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.