Pakistan legend’s special link to Black Caps

Saqlain Mushtaq
Photo: New Zealand Cricket

Pakistan spin legend Saqlain Mushtaq has no problems helping the Black Caps, a team he describes as a family.

Saqlain was hired for the New Zealand cricketers current T20 and ODI tour of Pakistan.

He played 218 times for his country claiming 496 international wickets and over 500 wickets for English county side Surrey between 1997 and 2008.

New Zealand was the first country he toured as a player and was also his first coaching assignment when he assisted the Black Caps at the T20 World Cup in England in 2009.

“When I had a call from New Zealand I told my spiritual teacher that the offer has come to me to help and support a young Kiwi team,” Saqlain said from Karachi.

“He (spiritual teacher) told me two things…. one, if you have the knowledge, do not keep it to yourself.

“Number two, he said that this whole world is ours and god never draws a line on the earth, so enjoy living in this world, help each other and care for each other.”

The 46 year old says his faith made the decision simple.

“From an Islamic point of view and for humanity you must pass on the knowledge.”

He’s primarily been passing his knowledge onto the spin bowlers in the New Zealand side, Ish Sodhi, Rachin Ravindra, Cole McConchie and Mark Chapman.

Saqlain has worked with Sodhi before, at last year’s T20 World Cup, and is impressed by Ravindra, who is a finger spinner similar to him.

“Ravi is a very talented young chap, a beautiful simple action and can ask questions of the batter, (and brings into play) both edges.

“They’re showing me so much respect and putting pressure on me, but I’m loving it.

“If someone is talking about spin I love it.”

Ish Sodhi
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Saqlain is widely regarded as the first bowler to master the ‘doosra’, a delivery that spins away from the right hander despite being bowled with the same action and grip as a conventional off-spinner.

He feels a close association with New Zealand.

“I have a lot of emotional attachment and special feelings with New Zealand, I have a lot of memories there and visited many places.

“The boys are wonderful, Tom Latham is my coffee maker and it’s the best coffee ever

“It feels like home, it’s a family and they care about each other.

“(Their success) shows how passionate the country is and I’m very honoured to be a part of this family.”

Pakistan and New Zealand shared the T20 series, with the home side leading the five match ODI series 2-0 with the third game in Karachi on Wednesday night.