Saqlain Mushtaq was named the New Zealand team consultant for their upcoming tour of Pakistan where they will play white ball matches. The two teams will engage in five T20s and five ODIs from mid-April.
Mushtaq stepped down as the interim head coach of the Pakistan squad in January this year and will now serve as a consultant for the BlackCaps on their tour of Pakistan. This will be Mushtaq’s first assignment with the New Zealand cricket team. It must be noted that Pakistan’s home series against New Zealand was the last assignment for Mushtaq Ahmed as the head coach as his contract expired in February.
Confirming the news, Saqlain Mushtaq was quoted by The News Pakistan: “I am currently in the United States and will join the NZ squad upon my return on April 12. It is a short-term commitment with the NZ squad which is an honour for me.”
New Zealand will be hoping that Saqlain Mushtaq can share the knowledge acquired in that role to undo Pakistan when the two sides finally meet. His appointment will also pit him against his son-in-law Shadab Khan.
Mushtaq was previously in a similar role as a consultant for the England team before taking over Pakistan’s international team following the resignation of Misbah Ul Haq.
Pakistan Announces New Permanent Coaching Setup As Mickey Arthur Returns
Ahead of the New Zealand series at home, where the BlackCaps will play a five-match T20I and One Day Internationals (ODI) series later this month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized a new permanent coaching setup which sees the return of Mickey Arthur.
Reports have suggested that PCB have hired former South Africa internationals Morne Morkel and Andrew Puttick as bowling and batting coach, respectively, of the Pakistan men’s team. Also, Mickey Arthur returns as an online consultant while he continues as head coach of Derbyshire.
Former Pakistan fielding coach Grant Bradburn will be the head coach while Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist) and Drikus Saaiman (strength and conditioning) will continue with their jobs.
Morkel will formally join the side after his IPL commitment as bowling coach at Lucknow Super Giants.