Ijaz Ahmed pitches for rookie spinner Raza Hasan's inclusion in T20 World Cup squad

Islamabad, Feb.28 (ANI): Describing the 17 year old left-arm spinner Raza Hasan as a 'talented' lad , Pakistan U-19 cricket coach Ijaz Ahmed has said he must be included in the 15 member squad for the ICC T20 World Championship, scheduled to be held in April in the Caribbean.

"The pitches in the West Indies are going to assist spin and Raza should be taken in the final squad. He's a very talented boy and has ability that defies the fact that he is only 17 years of age. Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Malik and Raza Hasan could form a very powerful spin attack in the Caribbean," Ahmed said.

Ahmed, who was recently in temporary charge of the Pakistan senior team that played two T20 matches in Dubai against England, is also of the opinion that Raza should be taken to England, where Pakistan would be playing against the hosts and Australia.

"Yes I firmly believe that Raza will be ready to play in England against Australia and England. He has the ability to perform well in one day cricket and the longer version of the game. He has control and most importantly knows when to defend and when to attack as a bowler," Ahmed told PakPassion.net.

Raza has already been named in the list of 30 probables for the T20 World Cup.

Though the teenage spinner has played only two first class matches, he has impressed many with his control and variety.

He also performed brilliantly in the Under 19 World Cup, where Pakistan were defeated by Australia in the final. (ANI)