Pakistan spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed feels that the Pakistan players are handling the new ICC regulations very well, which have been changed for an interim period due to the coronavirus pandemic, including not applying saliva into the ball.
Pakistan will resume their international cricket journey with the three-match Test series in the England tour, which will begin in the early next month. This Test series will also be the part of the 2019-21 ICC World Test Championship. The Pakistan team will end this England tour with the subsequent three-match T20I series.
While the COVID-19 or coronavirus is still dominating the world, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has made some crucial interim changes in the regulations to bring the game sooner, including banning applying saliva into the ball to stop the transmission of the virus. Pakistan’s spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed has now claimed that the Pakistan players are coping with the new regulations with the time progress.
Mushtaq said according to the official website of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), “Despite the Covid-19 related challenges, the players have been exceptional so far. We are trying to make them familiar with the protocols and they have responded wonderfully well. Players are coping with the new regulations with regards to shining the ball as well.
“Historically, spinners have used saliva to shine the ball now they are being taught new methods in lieu of the revised ICC rules and regulations.”
I am happy with the start we have made: Mushtaq Ahmed
As the tour will go on with the very lesser people involvement, Mushtaq feels that the players are going to be very important, who have to be the team person in every aspect. The Pakistan spin bowling coach is very happy to see that the team is adapting to the condition with the time progress.
He added, “This tour is being played in extraordinary circumstances. There are no spectators, there are hardly any journalists either to analyse the teams or the game. Players need to inspire each other, back each other and support each other to the hilt. I am happy with the start we have made; we are getting accustomed to the environment and conditions and still have a long time to go before the start of the series.”
England are currently busy in the three-match home Test series against West Indies, which began on this Wednesday (8th July) at Southampton. After this series, Ireland will tour in England for the three-match ODI series.
Then Pakistan will play the international series against the hosts England from 5th August to 1st September 2020.