PCB Appoints Saqlain Mushtaq as Head of International Player Development

Former Pakistan offspinner Saqlain Mushtaq has been named as the Head of International Player Development as part of Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) restructuring process of its premier training facility in Lahore.

Pakistan fielding coach Grant Bradburn will now head PCB’s High Performance Coaching meaning he will leave his current role with the national cricket ream.

Saqlain played 49 Tests and 169 ODIs between 1995 and 2004 taking a combined 496 wickets during his international cricket. Loss of form meant his Pakistan career ended early when he has just 28.

However, during his time, Saqlain, who is credited for introducing the Doosra, in his first full year (1996) set up the record for most ODI wickets in a calendar year (65). And then improved it to 69 the following year.

His continues to be the fastest bowler in history in terms of time (one year and 225 days) to reach the landmark of 100 ODI wickets.

“It is an honour and a privilege to represent Pakistan…I am delighted to have been offered this exciting opportunity to work on skilful and exciting young cricketers and help them grow in their careers,” the 43-year-old said.

“I am confident I will be able to translate all my knowledge and experience in the High Performance Centre and help the PCB raise the bar and set new benchmarks,” he added.

He has earlier worked as a spin bowling coach with Bangladesh, West Indies and England.

Bradburn became Pakistan fielding coach in September 2018.

An off-spinner who played seven Tests and 11 ODIs from 1990 to 2001 for New Zealand, Bradburn also coached New Zealand A and New Zealand U19.