Shakib has been supportive of youngsters: Mushtaq Ahmed

Shakib Al Hasan has been a strong supporter of the younger players in the team, said Bangladesh's spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed after the ousted Bangladeshi lawmaker was cleared to be part of the national team for the two-Test series against Pakistan.

Shakib, a former MP under the Sheikh Hasina regime, joined the team in Pakistan for the two Test series after being cleared by the interim government, days after the Bangladesh Parliament was dissolved.

Having remained an elected MPA with the deposed prime minister, Shaikh Hasina's government, Shakib is reported to call all the shots in the Bangladesh team and also captained them in last year’s ODI World Cup.

The 37-year-old had a rift with Tamim Iqbal and had criticised the senior opener for putting himself ahead of the team's needs. Iqbal was excluded from the 2023 World Cup squad, citing fitness issues.

But Mushtaq insisted that Shakib and other senior players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Taskin Ahmed were playing a very positive role in the team.

"Shakib and even Mushfiq and Taskin they are all supportive of the youngsters in the team specially those touring Pakistan for the first time,” he told a media conference in Lahore on Thursday.

Mushtaq also described the current Bangladesh side as a very “coachable” side.

"By this I mean the players are enthusiastic to improve and listen to you and learn about tactics and strategies. I hope I can make a positive impact for them,” he added.

Mushtaq said Bangladesh were not a side to be taken lightly.

"They have some good quality players and they now have some good pace bowlers as well and I think they are on the right path. They just need to have self belief they can do better overseas,” he said.