Mushtaq Ahmed leaves ICL

Mushtaq Ahmed, the former Pakistan legspinner, has confirmed his exit from the ICL but has denied his departure was linked to his recent appointment as the ECB's spin-bowling coach. He said a nagging knee injury, which sidelined him during the current season, prompted his decision.

"I have reached an understanding with them to part ways," Mushtaq told PTI. "I have sent them my resignation." Mushtaq joined the ICL in February 2008 as part of the Lahore Badshahs, an all-Pakistan team. He played seven Twenty20 games and took 12 wickets at an average of 13.66 and economy-rate of 5.85.

Mushtaq, currently back in Lahore, said he will begin his England role late next month. "I will definitely be joining the England team in the last week of November but if the ECB wants me to start assisting their bowlers before that in India I have no problems with that," he said. England will be touring India in November-December, with the seven-ODI series starting on November 14.

Mushtaq, 38, last played for Pakistan in 2003. Since then he forged a successful county career, and in 2003 he became the first bowler in five years to take 100 wickets in a season. That performance was instrumental in guiding Sussex to their first Championship title, a feat they repeated in 2006 and 2007. He retired from county cricket after the 2008 season.