Fast bowler Umar Gul is eyeing a spot in the World Twenty20 team as Pakistan prepares to name its 15-man squad for the tournament after a two-day delay.
The 31-year-old pacer was selected for the recently concluded T20 series against New Zealand after a gap of about 10 months but Gul finished with just two wickets after being picked for only two games of the three-match series.
The series was a nightmare for Pakistani bowlers but Gul is hoping the selectors don't make a judgement on two outings alone.
“I think if a player returns to the team after a gap of six or seven months and is then kicked out again, it’s quite harsh,” he said while talking to Dawn on Tuesday.
The right-arm bowler has featured regularly in domestic cricket recently and has played in all of Quetta Gladiators' matches in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), picking up four wickets in as many fixtures.
“I’ve been playing domestic cricket regularly and have featured in all PSL matches so far and feeling fully fit too,” he said.
“I’m putting in a lot of effort and my rhythm is good too,” added the paceman.
Gul, who has played 47 Tests and 126 ODIs for Pakistan since making his debut in 2003, termed the PSL as a top level competition which would provide young local players with the ideal platform to launch their careers.
“PSL is no less than any another big T20 cricket league. So far, it has been as enjoyable an experience as playing in the Big Bash or England.”
The Gladiators have won three out of their four matches and have emerged as potential title contenders, but according to Gul, it was too early to describe any team as favourites.
“It’s too early to say that Quetta are PSL title contenders since we have just completed the first round,”
But with Moin Khan and Sir Vivian Richards as their coach and mentor, the Gladiators could just go all the way.
“Viv Richards is surely an inspiration for every Quetta player. He motivates us through the famous saying ‘kill them before they kill you,’” he added.
“Therefore we try to go for the kill as soon as we gain control over the match and this will continue to be our approach.”
