Mumbai: He has been the mainstay of Pakistan’s bowling attack during the late 90s and has troubled many with his doosra. Saqlain Mushtaq – the former Pakistan off-spinner – made his debut under Rameez Raja’s captaincy but grew into a champion under Wasim Akram. Even today, he remembers the former speedster who took Pakistan to the final of ICC World Cup 1999. But very few know that the former cricketer also considers India ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as his close friend.
With 2 of my closest friends @msdhoni and @wasimakramlive #throwback. pic.twitter.com/Pb2XrpSGJD
— Saqlain Mushtaq (@Saqlain_Mushtaq) June 14, 2015Saqlain – who currently operates as a coach – uploaded an old photograph (on Twitter) with Dhoni and Akram and said: “With 2 of my closest friends.”
Saqlain’s association with Akram dates back to 1995 when the spinner used to play domestic cricket in Pakistan. Under Akram, he single-handedly won matches for Pakistan and was one of the few spinners who used to bowl in the death overs.
Even in India, Pakistan emerged victorious in the Asian Test Championship (1999) where Saqlain played a major role.
Being close to Akram is justified as both of them played during the same time for Pakistan. But his intimacy with Dhoni turned many heads as the wicketkeeper hardly played against Saqlain. When Dhoni made his international debut, Saqlain had reached the end of his career.
Nonetheless, his fondness for Dhoni could be felt when he congratulated the World Cup-winning captain after the birth of his daughter Ziva.
Congratulations to my brother MS Dhoni and his family on the arrival of there baby daughter Ziba pic.twitter.com/1RGxNASYeX
— Saqlain Mushtaq (@Saqlain_Mushtaq) February 8, 2015In 2014, they were seen together in former Pakistan cricketer Azhar Mahmood’s fund raising event in London.
It would have been interesting to watch Dhoni play against Saqlain. But as for now, salute to the brotherhood.
