Mushtaq Ahmed calls for former-player committee to help rebuild Pakistan cricket

5 September 2026: Former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has called on the Pakistan Cricket Board to bring together experienced former international players to help guide the national team through its current period of instability.

Speaking on Stumped, a BBC World Service podcast, Mushtaq said Pakistan needed patience and a more structured approach rather than further short-term decisions, arguing that former players with experience of difficult periods in the country’s cricket could provide valuable guidance.

“This is the right time to stay calm, stay humble, don't make rash decisions,” Mushtaq said.

He urged the PCB to form a committee of former cricketers with international experience, particularly those who had been involved with Pakistan during periods when the national side was rebuilding.

Mushtaq said such figures should be brought together to offer their views on the direction of Pakistan cricket before major decisions were taken.

The former leg-spinner, who represented Pakistan in 52 Tests and 144 ODIs and has held a number of international coaching roles, is currently working as Bangladesh’s spin-bowling coach.

He said Pakistan’s problems could not be addressed simply by repeatedly changing coaches or players, and argued that qualified professionals needed to be placed in the right roles throughout the cricket structure.

“You need to have expert people, professional people for the professional jobs,” he said.

Mushtaq also stressed the importance of the PCB chairman surrounding himself with experienced cricket advisers capable of providing candid advice.

He said a chairman without a professional cricket background needed knowledgeable people around him who understood the demands of building and sustaining an international team.

The former Pakistan coach also cautioned against expecting an immediate turnaround regardless of who was appointed to the coaching staff.

“You cannot grow a tree in a day. It is going to take some time now,” Mushtaq said.

He said Pakistan needed a clear process covering areas including coaching, selection, discipline and player development, with those responsible given sufficient time to implement it.

Mushtaq remains convinced Pakistan has enough talent to become competitive again if that talent is supported by a stable and professional system.

He said bringing together the right people, establishing a consistent selection process and allowing the system time to develop would give Pakistan a stronger chance of rebuilding successfully.

Mushtaq also indicated he would be willing to return to the Pakistan set-up if offered an opportunity to contribute.

“I'd love to do [it] for my country. Of course, especially in this time,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that instability around coaching positions could discourage Pakistan coaches working internationally from returning home.

Mushtaq said coaches needed confidence that they would be given respect and sufficient time rather than being removed following what he described as emotional or short-term decisions.

He argued that greater stability could encourage more Pakistan coaches currently working overseas to offer their experience to the national game.

Mushtaq said he viewed Pakistan’s current difficulties as an opportunity for experienced coaches to take on the challenge of rebuilding the side and helping players regain confidence at international level.

He said the aim should be to develop a settled unit capable of consistently challenging leading opposition rather than searching for an immediate fix.

“So, I think I'd love to do that,” Mushtaq said.