Saqlain Mushtaq, born on December 29, 1976, is a Pakistani cricket coach and former international cricketer. He is best known for pioneering the “doosra”, a leg break delivery bowled with an off-break action.
Saqlain has had a significant impact on the sport of cricket, both as a player and as a coach, and his contributions to the game have earned him recognition and respect worldwide.
Here you can follow Saqlain Mushtaq’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
About Saqlain Mushtaq
Saqlain was born in Lahore, Pakistan, and from a young age, he showed a keen interest in cricket. At the age of 14, he went to the Govt. M.A.O. College Lahore, where he was coached by Mumtaz Akhtar Butt. He played for the college and won the championship for three consecutive years.
Domestic Career
Saqlain started his first-class career in 1994–95 at the age of 17. He played for various teams including Pakistan International Airlines (1994/95-2003/04), Islamabad (1994/95-1997/98), Surrey (1997-2008), Lahore (2003/04), Sussex (2007), and others.
Saqlain started his first-class career in 1994–95 at the age of 17. He represented several teams including Pakistan International Airlines, Islamabad, Lahore, and Surrey. He had a successful stint with Surrey, where he claimed over 500 wickets between 1997 and 2008.
International Career
Saqlain Mushtaq is a former international cricketer from Pakistan, known for his right-arm off-break bowling. He made his Test debut in September 1995 against Sri Lanka and played his last Test match in April 2004 against India.
In his international career, he played 49 Test matches and 169 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for Pakistan. He took 208 Test and 288 ODI wickets. Saqlain Mushtaq was the fastest to reach the milestones of 200 and 250 wickets in ODIs. He also scored a Test match century against New Zealand in March 2001.
Saqlain made history when he became the first Pakistani to take a hat-trick at a Cricket World Cup, which he did against Zimbabwe during the 1999 tournament. He also claimed two hat-tricks, both against Zimbabwe, the first in 1996 and the second in 1999.
After his playing career, Saqlain transitioned into coaching. On 28 May 2016, he was appointed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as England’s spin consultant. He has also worked with the New Zealand cricket team during their T20 and ODI tour of Pakistan.
Saqlain Mushtaq’s Net Worth Details
Saqlain Mushtaq’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his salary as a professional cricketer, endorsements, and other sources.
Contract and Salary
Saqlain Mushtaq, a renowned figure in cricket both as a player and coach, has had various contracts throughout his career.
As a coach, his most recent role was with the Pakistan national team, where he served as the head coach for approximately 16 months before his contract ended in February 2023. During his tenure as the PCB Head Coach, Saqlain Mushtaq earned a salary of Rs. 1 million per month.
After his contract with the Pakistan national team was not extended, Saqlain was appointed as New Zealand’s assistant coach for their tour of Pakistan in 2023.
Career Earnings
| Role | Salary |
| Head Coach, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) | Rs. 1 million per month |
Endorsement
Saqlain Mushtaq, a former international cricketer from Pakistan, had several endorsements during his playing career. As of now, since he is retired, he does not have any current endorsements.
Personal Details
| Full name | Saqlain Mushtaq |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Birth date | December 29, 1976 |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Weight | 85 kg |
| Birthplace | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Current net worth | $2 million |
| Relationship status | Married |
| Wife | Sana Mushtaq |
| Instagram profile | @saqlain_mushtaq_ |
Wife
Saqlain Mushtaq, the celebrated Pakistani cricketer, is married to Sana Mushtaq. The couple has been in the spotlight not just for Saqlain’s cricketing achievements but also for some light-hearted anecdotes from their life.
One such amusing incident occurred during the 1999 Cricket World Cup when Saqlain, known for his dislike of changing routines, had to hide his wife in the cupboard of his hotel room.
This unconventional situation arose when the Pakistan Cricket Board unexpectedly asked the players to send their families back home in the middle of the tournament.
Saqlain, who was playing county cricket in England at the time and had an apartment in London, decided not to follow the board’s directive and instead checked out of the hotel, instructing his wife to go to his apartment.
Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Wickets | Best Bowling (Innings) | Best Bowling (Match) | Bowling Average |
| Test | 49 | 78 | 927 | 101* | 208 | 8/164 | 10/155 | 29.84 |
| ODI | 169 | 98 | 711 | 37 | 288 | 5/20 | 5/20 | 21.79 |
FAQs
Who is Saqlain Mushtaq?
Saqlain Mushtaq is a former Pakistani cricketer born in Lahore on December 29, 1976. He was a right-arm off-break bowler known for pioneering the “doosra” delivery. He played for Pakistan from 1995 to 2004 and became a cricket coach.
What is Saqlain Mushtaq’s biggest claim to fame?
Saqlain is best known for inventing and mastering the “doosra” – a delivery that spins away from right-handed batsmen despite being bowled with an off-break action. This innovation revolutionized off-spin bowling.
What are some of Saqlain Mushtaq’s major achievements?
He was the fastest bowler to reach 100, 200, and 250 wickets in ODIs. He took 288 wickets in 169 ODIs and 208 wickets in 49 Tests. He scored a Test century against New Zealand in 2001 and was named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 2000.
How did Saqlain Mushtaq start his cricket career?
Saqlain started playing cricket at age 13 for the Zareef Memorial Cricket Club. He made his first-class debut at 17 and quickly progressed to the Pakistan national team, making his international debut at 18 in 1995.
What was Saqlain Mushtaq’s most memorable performance?
One of his most famous performances was in the 1999 Chennai Test against India, where he took 10 wickets and helped Pakistan win by 12 runs. His dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar in that match is particularly remembered.
Did Saqlain Mushtaq play county cricket?
Yes, Saqlain played for Surrey for eight seasons from 1997 to 2004. In his later career, he also had brief stints with Sussex and Ireland.
Why did Saqlain Mushtaq’s international career end relatively early?
Saqlain’s career was cut short due to injuries and the emergence of other spinners like Shoaib Malik and Danish Kaneria. His last Test was in 2004, and his last ODI was in 2003.
What records does Saqlain Mushtaq hold?
He holds the record for taking the most wickets (69) in ODIs in a calendar year (1997). He was also the first Pakistani to take a hat-trick in a World Cup match, which he did against Zimbabwe in 1999.
What has Saqlain Mushtaq done since retiring from playing?
After retiring, Saqlain has been involved in coaching. He’s worked with various teams and was the head coach of the Pakistan national cricket team from 2021 to 2022.
How is Saqlain Mushtaq remembered in cricket history?
Saqlain is remembered as one of the greatest off-spinners in cricket history. He’s credited with reviving the art of off-spin bowling in the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly through his mastery of the doosra. He’s often ranked among the best ODI bowlers of all time.
