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Javed ready to make way for youngsters

At 36, UAE captain Amjad Javed is aware that time is running out on his playing career and he makes no bones about it.
"I'm giving myself another year or two and that is only if we win our World Cricket League (WCL) matches and qualify for the T20 World Cup, else I will make way for the youngsters before that," said the 6ft 3 inch tall all-rounder ahead of UAE's practice match at The Sevens on Tuesday.
A descent of Pakistan, Amjad Javed was born and raised in the UAE. He has represented his adopted country in 12 T20 Internationals scoring 181 runs and bagging 15 wickets. He hopes once he quits the game some newcomer will fill the gap.
Talking about the Desert T20 Challenge in which eight countries will be participating, Javed feels the UAE are favourites. The hosts have a temporary coach in Owais Shah. The former England international joined the team only in November after Aaqib Javed's four-year stint ended in April 2016.
England's Paul Franks took over from July to October only to make way for Owais.
"Aaqib Javed was much more experienced than others that trained UAE," said Javed. "Owais -- from a batting point of view -- is strong but he too is starting his coaching career so he needs time. I think the Board should appoint a coach immediately after this tournament on a long-term basis, we need someone with us 24x7 and at least for a year or two.
"Different coaches have different ideas so it becomes difficult for players to adjust."
Javed looked back at 2016 as a year where the team lost close matches due to dropped catches but is hopeful of them doing well this year.
"The seniors have to take on the responsibility. I can see they are enjoying their game and hope it translates into wins.
"We have a triangular coming up after this tournament and some county clubs too visiting Dubai so that should help us get enough matches under our belts ahead of the WCL."
clareto@khaleejtimes.com