The search has now extended across the country through the return of the Robi Bowler Hunt after an eight-year gap.
The initiative is looking for both pace and spin talent, with Mushtaq hopeful that a promising left-arm spinner who can also contribute with the bat will emerge.
Shakib last played for Bangladesh in the September 2024 Test against India in Kanpur. Since then, the team have struggled to find a left-arm spinner who can offer a similar contribution with both bat and ball.
“I think there are some players already, and there are some we are developing. One day, the selectors and coaches were discussing the need for a spinner, especially a left-arm spinner who can also bat. A lot of young players are coming through, and we are trying to develop them,” Mushtaq said.
Bangladesh currently have Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nayeem Hasan as spin options in Tests, while Rishad Hossain has emerged as a white-ball option. However, a left-arm spinner capable of making a significant contribution with the bat remains a gap.
Mushtaq believes Bangladesh’s progress in the pace department makes it equally important to invest in spin talent for the future.
“We have Rana now, who bowls at around 150kph, and there are a few others who can bowl above 140kph. So now we need a left-arm spinner who can also bat in the middle order,” he said.
“Hopefully, the selectors and everyone involved are looking for the right player. We may find him soon, or it may take some time.”
The Robi Bowler Hunt is searching for new talent in both pace and spin, with selected players expected to enter further training and development programmes.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board hopes the initiative will help produce players for the national team in the future.
Mushtaq, however, stressed that developing a player of Shakib’s calibre will take time.
“I always say that you cannot grow a tree in one day. We have to work patiently. We have the skills and we have the players; now we have to believe in them,” he said.
