Saqlain Mushtaq is a legendary Pakistani off-spinner. He is known for inventing the “doosra” and revolutionizing spin bowling in the modern era. He played internationally from 1995 to 2004 and later served as Pakistan’s head coach.
Saqlain Mushtaq Quick Bio:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Saqlain Mushtaq |
| Date of Birth | December 29, 1976 |
| Age (2025) | 48 years |
| Birthplace | Lahore, Punjab |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm offbreak |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Role | Bowler |
| Religion | Islam |
| Nickname | Inventor of the Doosra |
Saqlain Mushtaq’s Statistics:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Best Bowling | 5WI/10WM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 49 | 208 | 29.83 | 8/164 | 13 / 3 |
| ODI | 169 | 288 | 21.78 | 5/20 | 6 / 0 |
| FC | 194 | 833 | 23.56 | 8/164 | 47 / 10 |
| List A | 323 | 478 | 23.55 | 7/24 | 4 / 0 |
Career Highlights
- Invented the “Doosra” – a delivery that spins away from right-handers despite off-spin action
- Fastest to 100 & 200 ODI wickets – a record during his era
- 1999 Chennai Test Hero – 10 wickets in the match vs India
- Played County Cricket – starred for Surrey and Sussex
- Known for: Tactical brilliance, deceptive variations, and mental toughness
Coaching Career
- Pakistan Head Coach (2021–2022)
- Spin Consultant for England, New Zealand, Bangladesh
- Mentor to Moeen Ali, Shadab Khan, and Abrar Ahmed
- Known for: Technical clarity, spiritual grounding, and player development
International Career Timeline
- ODI Debut: September 29, 1995 vs Sri Lanka
- Test Debut: September 8, 1995 vs Sri Lanka
- Last ODI: October 7, 2003 vs South Africa
- Last Test: April 1, 2004 vs India
Legacy & Influence
- Pioneer of modern off-spin – praised by Muralitharan and Ashwin
- Cultural impact: Elevated Pakistan’s spin reputation globally
- Family: Son-in-law of Shadab Khan
- Public Persona: Faith-driven, humble, and deeply respected in coaching circles
Saqlain Mushtaq’s Daughter:
Saqlain Mushtaq’s daughter is Malika Saqlain. She married Pakistani cricketer Shadab Khan in early 2023.
About Malika Saqlain
- Full Name: Malika Saqlain
- Father: Saqlain Mushtaq (legendary off-spinner and former Pakistan head coach)
- Spouse: Shadab Khan (Pakistan vice-captain and PSL star)
- Profession: Makeup artist
- Age: 20 (as of 2024)
- Wedding Date: January 2023
- Ceremony Style: Intimate and faith-centered, held in Islamabad
Contextual Notes
- Saqlain Mushtaq approved the marriage after admiring Shadab’s religious devotion and respectful conduct
- Shadab Khan is now Saqlain’s son-in-law, making their bond one of Pakistan cricket’s most notable family connections
- Malika maintains a private profile and is not active in public media
Saqlain Mushtaq’s Wife:
Saqlain Mushtaq’s wife is Sana Mushtaq. They married in 1998 and have built a strong, faith-centered family together.
About Sana Mushtaq
- Name: Sana Mushtaq
- Spouse: Saqlain Mushtaq (married in 1998)
- Public Role: Maintains a private profile; not involved in media or cricket administration
- Family Life:
- Mother to multiple children, including daughter Malaika Saqlain, who married cricketer Shadab Khan
- Known for supporting Saqlain’s coaching stints in Pakistan, England, and abroad
- Occasionally mentioned in interviews and family tributes
Contextual Notes
- Saqlain often credits his wife for grounding him spiritually and emotionally
- Their marriage is seen as a model of stability in Pakistan’s cricketing circles
- Sana has never sought public attention, preferring to focus on family and faith
See More: Mushtaq Ahmed