February 16, 2007	Friday	Muharram 27, 1428

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LAHORE, Feb 13: Medium-pacer Umar Gul, looking fit and confident, said on Thursday he was delighted at finding a place in the World Cup squad and said it was a long-cherished dream that finally came true for him

Umar, who has played 25 One-day Internationals for Pakistan, was named among the 15-member squad on Tuesday for the mega event, scheduled to be held in the West Indies from March 13 to April 28.The Peshawar-born Umar told Dawn that like every cricketer, it was his great desire to represent his country in the extravaganza and he was really looking forward to the high-profile competition next month.

Commenting on his fitness, Umar said: "I am quite fit for international cricket now as my ankle is not giving me any trouble. I have been bowling at the National Cricket Academy for the last week and has not felt any discomfort whatsoever."

Umar added that he is ready to give a fitness test whenever required but has not received any date from the PCB for this purpose.

Commenting on Pakistan’s chances in the World Cup, Umar said he was optimistic about his team making an impact in the event.

"We have top players in all departments of the game,” he said. “if we play with spirit and unity we are a bunch that is unbeatable."