Umar Gul may miss out on spot in Pakistan squad for 2015 ICC World Cup: PCB chief

Umar Gul doubtful for the 2015 ICC World Cup

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shahryar Khan has said that fast bowler Umar Gul may not find a spot in the final Pakistan squad for the 2015 ICC World Cup as he hasn’t recovered fully yet from a knee problem. The 30-year-old played in the first ODI against New Zealand in the recently-concluded series but was ruled out of the remaining 4 games due to injury.

He underwent an operation in Melbourne last year after suffering a recurrence of the knee problem.

"The reports about Gul are not very encouraging and there are very slim chances that he will be considered for the final World Cup squad," Khan told PTI.

Gul has found it hard to maintain top fitness and hasn't been in the best of forms with the ball either, completing his rehabilitation period after the knee surgery in May last year. He suffered a recurrence of his knee injury last year after being included in the squad to take on Sri Lanka in the UAE and wasn't considered for the Tests.

"Gul had also been playing in domestic cricket this season and had bowled number of overs, but for some reason as soon as he was inducted for international cricket, he faced fitness problems,” the PCB chief said.

However, the 80-year-old veteran administrator did say that left-arm pacer Junaid Khan’s fitness reports were very uplifting, and he has seemingly regained 90% fitness after hurting his knee during the ODI series against Australia in October.

Commenting on Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez’s chances of making the cut for the World Cup in February, Khan said that their selection would depend on them passing the informal tests that they are set to undergo in Chennai this week.

"If they clear the informal tests, they will be sent immediately for the ICC official tests to get their bowling actions cleared," he said.

He also added that the selectors have been told to lay emphasis on players’ fitness and no chances will be taken in that respect.

"No gamble will be taken with any player who does not attain peak fitness," he concluded.