‘Struggling’ Gul’s place in final Pak eleven for ICC T20 in danger

KARACHI - A dip in personal performance and the return of Mohammed Asif has put Pakistani fast bowler Umar Gul’s place in the final eleven in the upcoming ICC T20 World Championship in danger.

Gul, who had played a major role in Pakistan’s campaign in the first two T20 World Cups in 2007 and 2009, is uncertain to make the cut for the final eleven in the forthcoming tournament, as Pakistan’s 15 man squad includes both Asif and young fast bowler Mohammed Aamer, who has performed brilliantly in the recent past.

With the first two slots filled, it would be very hard for Gul to earn a place in the team.

Gul, who once used the reverse swinging ball as his lethal weapon, seems to have forgotten the art and failed to make any impact during the tour Down Under.

However, Pakistan’s T20 captain Shahid Afridi is not concerned over Gul’s loss of form , and said the pacer would be back to his best after attending a three-week preparatory camp starting in Lahore from March 29.

“I’ve talked to him recently about his form and believe that it’s nothing serious.I’m confident that with some rest that will be followed by a series of training sessions, he should regain his form,” said Afridi, but added that Gul would have to win back his place in the national side.

“The thing is that we might not play with three regular fast bowlers in the Twenty20 World Cup. Say if we go for Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir, who are our best bowlers at the moment then it would be tough for Gul to find a place in the playing eleven,” The News quoted Afridi, as saying. (ANI)