Key Points
- Tait appointed Bangladesh bowling coach until November 2027
- Mushtaq Ahmed signs two-year deal, 130 days per year
- Pakistan inconsistent but still dangerous opponent: Simmons
ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh’s newly appointed pace bowling coach Shaun Tait and spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed have joined the national squad in Lahore ahead of their three-match T20 International series against Pakistan, beginning on 28 May at Gaddafi Stadium.
Team manager Nafees Iqbal confirmed their arrival and noted that the team would train on both 27 and 28 May in preparation for the opening match. Tait, who recently worked with Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), was appointed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on 12 May for a tenure lasting until November 2027.
Mushtaq Ahmed, previously with Peshawar Zalmi, had his contract renewed for another two years, during which he will work with the BCB for 130 days annually.
In squad updates, pacer Khaled Ahmed is set to join the team in Lahore tonight as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, who was ruled out due to a fractured thumb sustained during the IPL on 24 May. He will be side-lined for at least two weeks and has returned to Bangladesh for recovery.
Dangerous side
Initially planned as a five-match series, the T20Is were reduced to three matches. All fixtures will now take place in Lahore on 28 May, 30 May, and 1 June. This will mark Pakistan’s first series under new white-ball coach Mike Hesson.
Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons expressed confidence in his team despite the absence of key players. Speaking to media in Lahore, he said, “Pakistan may have been inconsistent recently, but they remain a dangerous side capable of beating anyone.”
Simmons highlighted the value of PSL experience among his players, which has helped them understand local conditions. He also viewed the absence of senior players as a chance for younger cricketers to prove themselves.
“This series offers a great opportunity for our emerging players to step up. We’re confident in our squad and ready to play competitive cricket,” he added. Simmons also welcomed the inclusion of Shaun Tait, calling it a valuable boost to the coaching staff.
Bangladesh Squad
Litton Das (capt), Mahedi Hasan (vc), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam.
