Gul leaves Somerset contract to focus on form
Pakistan fast-bowler believes training camp in Lahore will help prolong career
LOOKING AHEAD: Gul, who has failed to make an impact this year so far, is hoping to achieve high fitness levels in the training camp ahead of the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Umar Gul, who is currently Pakistan’s most experienced fast-bowler, has revealed that he left a contract with Somerset County in order to improve his fitness in the ongoing training camp in Lahore. The 30-year-old is looking to prolong his career after a major knee operation.
Gul has represented Pakistan in 47 Tests, 124 ODIs and 56 T20Is in an 11-year career that has been hindered by injuries. Despite the grievances, he has accumulated 163 Test wickets, 173 scalps in one-dayers and 80 wickets in T20Is with several match-winning performances.
He made a positive comeback in the Pakistan team after a seven-month lay-off due to a knee surgery against Sri Lanka in December 2013. However, he struggled to find his rhythm in the Asia Cup and the World Twenty20 in 2014 and many felt he had not recovered completely.
Now Gul is keen to achieve the level of fitness that he had during the peak of his career.
“I had a contract with Somerset but I left it because of this camp,” Gul told reporters.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had also given me a No-Objection Certificate, but I had a change of heart because an important training camp was being staged. I believe it will help me attain superior fitness levels and prepare me for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.”
‘No decision made regarding Tests’
When asked whether he had any thoughts about quitting the Test format in order to play longer, Gul replied in the negative.
“I am just focusing on getting stronger and no thoughts have crossed my mind on quitting the Test format. Whenever I feel like I can’t take the burden of playing five-day cricket anymore, I will call it a day myself,” stated the fast-bowler.
“There is a general trend that whoever is retiring from international cricket is focusing on playing different T20 leagues all over the world, because it’s easy and not much demanding in terms of physical stress.”
Latif invites wicketkeepers for trials
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif will begin the Rashid Latif Cricket Academy (RLCA) training camp from June 1, inviting wicketkeepers from all over Pakistan to come for the trials.
The academy is famously known for producing international players such as Mohammad Sami, Asim Kamal, Khurram Manzoor, Khalid Latif, Shahzaib Hasan, and Tanveer Ahmed.
“Wicketkeepers of all age groups from Pakistan can come for the trials,” Latif told The Express Tribune.
“I’ll shortlist them from different categories and age groups. They will be given extensive wicketkeeping tips free of cost because I want to produce wicketkeepers who can contribute for Pakistan. Any wicketkeeper can come in, be it a rookie, club cricketer, first-class or even international player. I’m open to coaching everyone.”
Umar Gul, who is currently Pakistan’s most experienced fast-bowler, has revealed that he left a contract with Somerset County in order to improve his fitness in the ongoing training camp in Lahore. The 30-year-old is looking to prolong his career after a major knee operation.
Gul has represented Pakistan in 47 Tests, 124 ODIs and 56 T20Is in an 11-year career that has been hindered by injuries. Despite the grievances, he has accumulated 163 Test wickets, 173 scalps in one-dayers and 80 wickets in T20Is with several match-winning performances.
He made a positive comeback in the Pakistan team after a seven-month lay-off due to a knee surgery against Sri Lanka in December 2013. However, he struggled to find his rhythm in the Asia Cup and the World Twenty20 in 2014 and many felt he had not recovered completely.
Now Gul is keen to achieve the level of fitness that he had during the peak of his career.
“I had a contract with Somerset but I left it because of this camp,” Gul told reporters.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had also given me a No-Objection Certificate, but I had a change of heart because an important training camp was being staged. I believe it will help me attain superior fitness levels and prepare me for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.”
‘No decision made regarding Tests’
When asked whether he had any thoughts about quitting the Test format in order to play longer, Gul replied in the negative.
“I am just focusing on getting stronger and no thoughts have crossed my mind on quitting the Test format. Whenever I feel like I can’t take the burden of playing five-day cricket anymore, I will call it a day myself,” stated the fast-bowler.
“There is a general trend that whoever is retiring from international cricket is focusing on playing different T20 leagues all over the world, because it’s easy and not much demanding in terms of physical stress.”
Latif invites wicketkeepers for trials
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif will begin the Rashid Latif Cricket Academy (RLCA) training camp from June 1, inviting wicketkeepers from all over Pakistan to come for the trials.
The academy is famously known for producing international players such as Mohammad Sami, Asim Kamal, Khurram Manzoor, Khalid Latif, Shahzaib Hasan, and Tanveer Ahmed.
“Wicketkeepers of all age groups from Pakistan can come for the trials,” Latif told The Express Tribune.
“I’ll shortlist them from different categories and age groups. They will be given extensive wicketkeeping tips free of cost because I want to produce wicketkeepers who can contribute for Pakistan. Any wicketkeeper can come in, be it a rookie, club cricketer, first-class or even international player. I’m open to coaching everyone.”