Time to inject young blood in Pak cricket: Ijaz Ahmed

Islamabad, May 27 (ANI): Assistant Pakistan cricket coach Ijaz Ahmed has called for injecting young blood in the team rather than recalling older players, who have failed to impress despite given several chances at the international level.

Ahmed said that giving young players international exposure did involve certain risks, but it is time that the Pakistan cricket administration takes those risks.

"It's time for youngsters to be given an opportunity and a fair chance. I've seen quite a bit of Asad Shafiq, Umar Amin and Azhar Ali and they have impressed me. I think they deserve a chance. If we don't give these youngsters a chance, then we will never know whether they will sink or swim in the top tier of cricket," Ahmed told PakPassion.net.

Referring to players like fast bowler Mohammed Aamer and middle order batsman Umer Akmal, who were given a chance early in their career which they grabbed with both hands, he said Pakistan has no dearth of talent, but the need is to polish the young cricketers and give them a opportunity to prove themselves and showcase their talent.

"If we hadn't given youngsters a chance, then who knows what Mohammad Aamer and Umar Akmal would be doing right now and where they would be. Pakistan has limitless talent and keeps producing some great young cricketers, but they have to be given an opportunity to prove themselves," Ahmed said. (ANI)