New Delhi, Aug. 15 -- Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has called for the revival and protection of departmental cricket, saying it played a crucial role in developing Pakistani talent.

Ali believes the decision to shut it down contributed to the decline in Pakistan's international cricket, describing departmental teams as the country's biggest talent nursery.

Azhar feels the system is once again being sidelined and stressed that restoring it is vital for Pakistan cricket's future.

"Department cricket is a big need for Pakistan," Azhar said. "It's contributed a lot to our cricket. We shut it down a few years ago, and my personal view is that the slide in Pakistan's international cricket right now has a lot to do with department cricke...