By Kashif Qamar BBC Urdu Service

Pakistan's chief selector Aamir Sohail has hit back over allegations of nepotism after a surprise debut by a 19-year-old fast bowler.

Junaid Zia is the son of Lt Gen Tauqir Zia, president of the national cricket board. Many observers have already vigorously questioned the merits of the decision.

Sohail says the selectors often gamble on potential

"It doesn't matter for us whether someone is the son of a general or a poor one," Sohail told the BBC Urdu Service.

"For us, the criteria is his ability to play cricket."

The Pakistani media claims other players have performed much better in domestic cricket than Junaid.

In Tuesday's one-day international against Bangladesh in Multan, Zia was hit for 35 runs in five overs and failed to take a wicket.

Junaid was in the Pakistan Academy squad which visited South Africa recently.

He took only two wickets in the two one-day matches and seven wickets in two 4-day matches.

But the selectors preferred Junaid over another youngster Fahad Masud, who had claimed nine wickets in two one-day internationals and eight wickets in two 4-day matches.

In the domestic season, Junaid managed to get only 16 wickets in six matches.

Sohail said players were chosen on the basis of their performance plus selectors' assessments about their potential.

Wasim's star potential was spotted early in his career

"We try to do only our job. We also included Yasir Ali. He was from a very poor family and didn't have money to buy even shoes.

"You have to go with your sixth sense at times. Our policy has always been to bank on raw and exciting young players.

"It has paid dividends for Pakistan cricket."

Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul-Haq are both examples of players who were successfully rushed early into the international arena.

"At times a seasoned player at domestic level with talent may not have the raw temperament for international cricket.

"But at time a raw player with little experience may adjust nicely to the top level."

Clear-out

Sohail explained how the team now consists of many young players after the post-World Cup clear-out.

"Initially, any new player performs for himself in the beginning so that his place could be confirmed on a more permanent basis. Then he performs for the team.

"They haven't lost a match so far and that's a good thing. It will take some time for the team to settle down.