Saqlain commits to England as spin consultant

Saqlain Mushtaq is set to join the ECB on a two-year contract.

Saqlain, the former Pakistan spinner, has already had a couple of spells with the England team as a "spin consultant." In India it was noticeable that the performance of Adil Rashid, in particular, dipped sharply once Saqlain had left the tour.

The new deal will extend his involvement to 100-days each year and allow him to work not only with players in the international side but those developing within the county game.

"The ECB has hired my services for two-years and I have to work 100 days a year with them," Saqlain told Dawn. "My main duty will be with the England team but I will also work with young and rising spinners in English cricket.

"Both Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali are very talented and are already making a mark in International Cricket. They performed well in England's tour of India and I am hopeful that I will be able to guide them to more success."

Saqlain admitted that the PCB had approached him about working with Pakistan but said there had been no follow-up to an initial enquiry.

"If people ask why Saqlain has not worked with the PCB yet, then they should redirect their questions to the PCB," he said.