Pakistan cricketers stand by Saqlain Mushtaq, say he is no traitor
Saqlain Mushtaq, the former Pakistan cricketer and current spin bowling coach of the English cricket team was called a “traitor” by many Pakistan fans on social media. Shahid Afridi, the outgoing T20 national team captain, as well as former Pakistan players tweeted in support of the former Pakistan off-spinner.
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After Pakistan’s victory at Lord’s, the hosts sought the former off-spinner for the second Test to help them fight the threat of leggie, Yasir Shah. The pioneer of the ‘doosra’ ball, was moreover hired to tactically assist Moeen Ali, the English bowler, with his off-spin.
Many Pakistan fans on social media were annoyed by the presence of the former Pakistan bowler in the England backroom staff and tweeted against him. In response, many former and present cricketers stood with Mushtaq by tweeting their support for Mushtaq.
Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood said that Mushtaq was just doing his job as a coach. He added that he made the country proud when he played for Pakistan and is making the country proud by coaching England. Former Pakistan batsman Muhammad Wasim also tweeted similarly mentioning that coaching English team is his profession. The off spinner's wife, Sana Saqlain, tweeted a picture showing Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq and Mushtaq shaking hands to show that all was well between her husband and the Pakistan captain.
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Moeen Ali, who took three wickets for England and helped them in defeating Pakistan by 330 runs in Old Trafford, also tweeted in favour of Mushtaq. The 29-year-old English cricketer wrote that he loved working with the coach, and also added that Mushtaq was a great coach and a great person.