Bangladesh spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed is optimistic about the Tigers’ chances of reaching the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) in the current 2025-27 cycle.

Bangladesh are currently fourth in the WTC standings with 55.56 percentage points from six matches, having won three, lost two and drawn one. Their victories in the current cycle include two wins over Pakistan and one against Australia.

Speaking after a three-day spin camp in Mirpur involving national-team and emerging spinners, Mushtaq said Bangladesh have enough time and opportunity to push for a place in the final.

“Why not the World Test Championship final? Insha Allah. We are in a very good position at the moment. If we continue to play well and maintain our belief, Insha Allah, we have the right time to go all the way,” Mushtaq said.

Bangladesh recently drew their two-Test series against Australia 1-1 during their tour Down Under. They secured a historic nine-wicket victory in the first Test in Darwin, their first-ever Test win over Australia. However, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side lost the second Test in Mackay by an innings and 51 runs.

Mushtaq believes the historic victory in Australia has strengthened Bangladesh’s confidence.

“If you have the belief that you can beat Australia, England or South Africa in their own conditions, then victory is not impossible. We have beaten Pakistan in the last two matches. Now the Bangladesh team is not afraid of losing,” he said.

Speaking about the ongoing spin camp, Mushtaq praised the initiative taken by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and its High Performance Unit.

“I think this is a great initiative by the BCB and the High Performance Unit. We are recording the spinners’ bowling actions with three cameras from the front, back and side. This allows us to work more closely on their actions,” he said.

Mushtaq added that the coaching staff are also working alongside local coaches to improve their understanding of spin bowling and match situations.

“We are also working with the local coaches so that they can better understand how to handle the spin department and different situations. We are mainly focusing on the basics here. We are observing the actions, technical aspects and tactical areas of all the spinners,” he added.