Former Test cricketer Ramiz Raja Friday urged the cricket authorities to refrain from making drastic changes in the national team in the wake of Champions Trophy debacle. “Indeed, there is need to induct young blood so as to replace those not performing up to the mark”, said Rameez who has distinguished himself as a TV commentator after quitting International cricket in the 1990s.
Changing the complexion of the team altogether would prove counter-productive, he said in an interview, but emphasised that the players showing good skills in domestic cricket should gradually be given chance to prove their credentials at the international level.
He said the Pakistan team didn’t live up to expectations in the ongoing Champions Trophy perhaps because they couldn’t handle the “overwhelming pressure” to succeed.
Pakistan lost all three matches of the preliminary round to bow out of the last edition of the biennial tournament which will reach its conclusion on Sunday with the final in England between World Cup title holders India and Champions Trophy hosts England.