KARACHI, June 27: Pakistan suffered a crippling blow on Friday when Umar Gul, their key paceman, was ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing Asia Cup with a damaged rib muscle.

Umar, 24, sustained the injury during Thursday’s final Group ‘B’ against India at the National Stadium and came off the field after bowling just eight deliveries.

Chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed announced that Umar, who is expected to be sidelined for two weeks, has been replaced in the Pakistan squad by fellow paceman Abdur Rauf.

“Umar was examined last night by doctors who have advised him some two-week rest. We have decided to replace him with Abdur Rauf, who was among the 20 probables that we had picked for selection before the tournament started.” he said.

“No doubt Umar’s absence is a big loss for Pakistan. We hope that he makes a quick recovery because he is our main strike bowler.”

Salahuddin further said that an official request to the technical committee of the tournament would be made by Pakistan team manager Talat Ali for the replacement.

The 29-year-old Rauf claimed three wickets on his international debut in the final game of the one-day series against Zimbabwe in Sheikhupura earlier this year.