ICC unhappy with Muhstaq Ahmed presence in England team

England’s appointment of their spin bowling coach, Mushtaq Ahmed, has come under scrutiny after the International Cricket Council (ICC) had advised the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) against employing the former Pakistani international cricketer since he was implicated in a match-fixing scandal in 2000.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said the world body had warned the ECB over its recruiting of Mushtaq at the start of last year but that the England hierarchy had proceeded with the appointment of the 40-year-old.

Mushtaq was implicated in the report on match-fixing compiled in Pakistan by Justice Qayyum 10 years ago and Lorgat said the ICC had contacted the ECB about former Sussex spinner.

“We highlight anybody we’ve got on a list who has been labelled in one way or another, so I wrote to the ECB and issued them with a cautionary suggestion that they had to do due diligence on Mushtaq. But they were satisfied with the appointment,” said Lorgat.

“We suggested they had to be vigilant around their own changing rooms. We at the ICC do not employ people who have been tainted in the past but the ECB are entitled to make their own decisions.”

Qayyum’s report, published in 2000, stated: “There are sufficient grounds to cast strong doubt on Mushtaq Ahmed. He has brought the name of the Pakistan team into disrepute with, inter alia, associating with gamblers. This commission therefore recommends he be censured, kept under close watch and be not given any office of responsibility [selection or captaincy] in the team or on the board.”

England team director Andy Flower expressed unwavering belief in Mushtaq.

“I am very comfortable with Mushtaq. He’s been a good coach, a good example to our players and support staff, and I’m looking forward to him working with us again when he joins us in Australia. We’re very comfortable working with Mushy. He’s a lovely man and a good man for our system,” said Flower.