Upset and irritated over Pakistan’s dreadful performance in the ongoing Australia series, former cricketers have called for replacing ageing, non-performing players with the young guns of the under-19 team.
“Since senior team players are doing nothing, why not take a chance with some of the best under-19 players and top performers of the domestic circuit. May be they could turn things around in the national team,” said former legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir.
“The same set of players have been constantly failing in the senior team, so why not try some new faces. The senior team needs a dose of self belief and fresh blood to halt its losing streak,” he added.
Qadir’s son, Usman Qadir is also part of the under-19 team, currently playing in the World Cup in New Zealand, The Nation reports.
Pakistan Under-19 coach and former Test batsman Ijaz Ahmed has also supported the idea of trying some of the junior players.
Praising Hammad Azam for his consistent performance in the ongoing under-19 World Cup, Ahmed said he can be tried in the Twenty20 match against Australia next month.
“He can be tried out in the T20 match, and it would not be a bad idea to give him a feel of the senior team atmosphere,” The Nation quoted Ahmed, as saying.
However, former captain Javed Miandad is against the idea of rushing in younger players in the senior squad.
“There are some good players but first let them play in domestic cricket and gain some experience and maturity,” Miandad said.