Umar Gul Archives

Former cricketers back Pakistan amid strong India challenge in Asia Cup 2025

KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricketers Kamran Akmal and Umar Gul have shared their thoughts on the forthcoming high-octane clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025.

The match is scheduled to be played on September 14 at the Dubai Cricket Stadium, with both teams facing each other for the first time since the escalation in May 2025.

Speaking during a private event in the metropolitan city, former wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal expressed concerns over Pakistan’s team combination and shed light on the marquee clash against India.

“India team is looking very strong on paper. I wish Pakistan could win against India, but the national team will have to work hard for that,” he said.

“The bowling unit is not looking complete according to the conditions, he said. “If spinners won’t be played in these conditions, then where will they play?”

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He pointed out that Pakistan is playing with just three frontline bowlers, which could be costly.

“Afghanistan beat us, and the UAE gifted us a match. Mistakes like these cannot be repeated in the Asia Cup. Pakistan will need to defeat not only smaller teams but also stronger sides to succeed,” he remarked.

Kamran Akmal also highlighted the wicket-keeper Mohammad Haris’ batting position and Saim Ayub’s role in the team.

“Haris’ advantage is only in the top three positions. Saim Ayub should bat for the next four to five years, and after that, he should contribute with his bowling,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Umar Gul also admitted that the Indian team is looking strong, noting that in T20 cricket, a single player could turn the match on its head.

“We should support the Pakistan team. The Indian team looks strong, but it is reminded that in T20 cricket, a single good batting or bowling performance can turn the match,” Gul said.

Gul emphasized that in Pakistan’s history, major tournament victories have always been achieved through strong bowling, and emphasized the absence of key players for both teams.

“All the major tournaments won have been won by bowlers. Fans will surely miss stars like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma in this event,” said the 42-year-old.

READ: BCCI clarifies stance on India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash

Former pacer set to join Bangladesh as bowling coach ahead of Pakistan tour

Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul is set to join Bangladesh as the new bowling coach ahead of the Pakistan tour, according to a report by Telecom Asia Sport.

According to the report, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has offered Gul a 30-month contract to help enhance the country’s fast bowling prospects.

Umar Gul, a pivotal member of Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup triumph, has confirmed that he has been offered the role. However, he stated that the terms and conditions are yet to be finalized.

“It’s an exciting offer, and I look forward to it, said the 42-year-old pacer.

The BCB’s decision to rope in Gul as bowling coach could be seen in the light of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026.

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The Bangladesh team boasts some exciting fast bowlers, including Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Taskin Ahmed.

Earlier, Umar Gul served as a bowling coach for Afghanistan and Pakistan. The pacer has also coached the Pakistan Super League franchise, Quetta Gladiators.

It is pertinent to mention that the right-arm pacer played in 179 ODIs, 47 Tests, and 60 T20Is for Pakistan. Gul earned a reputation as a phenomenal death bowler, particularly in T20 cricket.

Gul’s most notable performance came against New Zealand in the 2009 World Cup, where he ripped the Black Caps line-up with a five-wicket haul for just six runs.

For the unversed, Bangladesh will tour Pakistan for a five-match T20I series in May. However, the exact dates and venues for the series are yet to be announced.

READ: Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal defends PSL against criticism

Former Pakistan pacer emerges as contender for Bangladesh’s bowling coach role

Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the role of Bangladesh men’s cricket team’s bowling coach, according to media reports.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is reportedly dissatisfied with the performance of the current bowling coach, Andre Adams and is considering replacing him despite his contract running until February 2026.

As per reports, Gul and former Australian pacer Shaun Tait are among the frontrunners to take over the role if the BCB decides to move on from Adams.

Both Umar Gul and Tait bring significant coaching experience to the table, having previously served as Pakistan’s bowling coach. Additionally, Gul has worked with Afghanistan’s national team as a coach.

The possible shake-up in the bowling department comes as part of broader changes in Bangladesh’s coaching setup.

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The BCB recently extended the contract of head coach Phil Simmons until the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to work with Bangladesh cricket on a long-term basis,” Simmons had said about his extension.

“The talent within this team is undeniable, and I believe we have the potential to achieve great things together. I am looking forward to the journey ahead.

“My time with the Bangladesh team over the past few months has been incredibly rewarding.

The energy, commitment, and ability within this group have been nothing short of impressive. I’m excited to continue helping these players reach their full potential.”

READ: Mohammad Rizwan reflects on Pakistan’s defeat in first ODI against New Zealand

Shadab Khan reacts to Umar Gul’s apology over World Cup injury statement

Pakistan’s all-rounder Shadab Khan praised Umar Gul as the former pacer and coach apologised for accusing him of hiding behind injury during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

For the unversed, Shadab was substituted due to concussion during Pakistan’s must-win World Cup 2023 clash against South Africa as he sustained a blow to the head while fielding.

Reacting to the substitution, Gul accused that the all-rounder made the concussion rule an excuse to save himself.

“We don’t know what kind of injury he has sustained, but questions arise when you fall, claim to have a concussion, escape from the team, and go outside. The physio checks you, and then after a while, you come out.

“There, you chat with people and then leave. When the match gets tight, and you realize it is going in our favour, you sit outside in the dugout, cheering.

“It means you’ve made an excuse; you’ve saved yourself. So, people will definitely question it,” Gul had said.

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However, in a recent interview with a local cricket website, Umar Gul revealed that he apologized to Shadab Khan after the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine.

“After the PSL, I approached him [Shadab] immediately because the real story was that he had suffered from concussion twice in a year, and the third time it occurred during the World Cup. The doctor advised rest to prevent any serious consequences,” Gul said.

“When I found out about it and when I met him for the first time in the training camp, I went straight to him and apologised. I said, ‘Shadab, it was never my intention to hurt you, and obviously being a Pakistani, I felt at that time that the team needed you.’ So, for the team’s requirement, I said this, otherwise Shadab is a great guy and we have good relations, our families have good relations too, but obviously I felt by the statement I had given, and I apologised to Shadab for it,” he added.

Meanwhile, Shadab Khan spoke highly of Umar Gul for accepting his mistake and wished the latter well for his future.

“It takes a brave man to accept his mistake. Respect you Gulli bhai. Always stay happy,” Shadab wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

READ: Junaid Khan disappointed over New Zealand top players missing Pakistan tour

Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal named Pakistan bowling coaches

Members of the 2009 T20 World Cup and 2012 Asia Cup winning squad, and former Pakistan cricketers Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal, have been appointed as the Fast Bowling and Spin Bowling Coaches, respectively, for the Pakistan Men’s Team.

Their inaugural assignments in these roles include the Test series against Australia scheduled from 14 December 2023 to 7 January 2024 and the T20I series against New Zealand from 12 to 21 January 2024.

Umar Gul previously served as the bowling coach for the Pakistan Men’s Team during the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, and the subsequent series against New Zealand at home.

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He has also been the bowling coach for Quetta Gladiators in the last PSL season and Afghanistan’s bowling coach in the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2022.

He made his international debut in 2003, representing Pakistan in 47 Tests (163 wickets at 34.06), 130 ODIs (179 wickets at 29.34), and 60 T20Is (85 wickets at 16.97) between 2003 and 2016.

Former world no. 1 ODI bowler Saeed Ajmal will take charge as the Spin Bowling Coach. Saeed, who made his international debut in 2008, represented Pakistan in 35 Tests, 113 ODIs, and 64 T20Is, picking up 447 wickets across the three formats.

He also served as the spin bowling coach with the HBL PSL franchise Islamabad United.

The former pacer expressed his hope to utilize his coaching experience to elevate Pakistan’s bowling department.

“I am pleased to join as the bowling coach of Pakistan team and feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to contribute to Pakistan cricket by Chairman PCB Management Committee Mr Zaka Ashraf.

“Having had previous working experience with the men’s side, I will bring my coaching expertise with the aim of elevating Pakistan’s bowling prowess to new heights.”

Meanwhile, Saeed Ajmal echoed Gul’s remarks on being named the spin bowling coach of the Pakistan men’s team.

“I am truly honoured and grateful for the opportunity provided by Chairman PCB Management Committee Mr Zaka Ashraf to serve as the spin bowling coach.

“I am delighted to contribute to the development of spin bowling talent within the Pakistan national team. I believe my career and coaching experience will help enhance the spin bowling arsenal of the team.”

READ: Wahab Riaz clarifies the reason for Haris Rauf’s absence from Test squad

2009 T20 World Cup-winning team to celebrate historic victory in US

KARACHI: Pakistan’s ICC T20 World Cup 2009 winning team will celebrate the monumental victory in the United States of America (USA).

World Cup-winning captain Younis Khan, alongside Shahid Afridi, Misbah Ul Haq, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal attended the star-studded ceremony here on Monday.

In a media briefing, it was revealed that the former cricketers will celebrate the title victory in different states of the US.

The celebration tour will commence on April 28 amid which the former cricketers will partake in the meet and greet sessions and will also be featuring in an exhibition match.

According to the event organizer, the purpose of the celebration tour is to promote cricket among the Pakistanis living in the US.

Speaking on the occasion, World Cup-winning captain Younis Khan stated that he wished that the national team had won more titles during this period.

“I wish we had won more cups during that time. I believe we should have had more titles,” said Khan.

“For the first time, the 2009 victory will be celebrated in America. We want to celebrate this historic victory again,” he added.

Pakistan’s hero of the semi-final and final Shahid Afridi revealed that he had high hopes for Babar Azam’s men but the national side failed to live up to that despite the conditions being in their favour.

“I had high hopes for this team. We had the players and the conditions were in our favour as well. We did not perform as per our skills,” said Afridi.

Afridi further commented on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Babar Azam as Pakistan captain and threw his weight behind the latter to continue to lead the side on Australia tour.

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik also commented on the national team’s dismal campaign at the ICC World Cup 2023.

The all-rounder further stated that he does not hold any grudge towards Babar Azam and termed him a brilliant batter.

“People think that I am against Babar Azam. There is nothing like that. He is a wonderful player. He is criticised due to his captaincy. I also believe that he can do wonders as a player,” Malik stated.

Meanwhile, another former cricketer from Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup-winning squad Umar Gul, who is rumoured to be the top contender to replace Morne Morkel as Pakistan bowling coach, shared that he heard the news on social media.

“I saw on social media that maybe I am being considered for bowling coach but I have not been contacted yet,” shared Gul.

The former pacer, however, stated that he is willing to serve Pakistan Cricket again if gets the opportunity.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan were crowned the T20 champions under Younis Khan’s leadership when the national team outclassed Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the 2009 T20 World Cup final.

READ: Pakistan to play four-day match against PM’s XI ahead of Australia Tests

Umar Gul picks Sarfaraz over Babar as captain, Amir over Shaheen

Former Pakistan pacer and bowling coach Umar Gul picked wicketkeeper batter, Sarfaraz Ahmed as a better captain than current Pakistan skipper Babar Azam.

Umar Gul in an interview, was asked to pick between Sarfaraz Ahmed and Babar Azam. The right-arm pacer unhesitantly picked the Champions Trophy-winning captain as a superior leader.

“In terms of captaincy, Sarfaraz Ahmed,” responded Gul to the comparison.

Gul, who leads the all-time T20I Rankings with a record 857 rating points was then asked to pick between Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi and he picked his former teammate Amir.

Umar gul picks :

* Sarfraz Ahmad over Babar Azam
* Muhammad Amir over Shaheen
Afridi@iamamirofficial @mdk_gul #Cricket pic.twitter.com/augGCRRS7I

— Muhammad Noman (@nomanedits) July 4, 2023

It must be noted that Sarfaraz Ahmed is considered one of the most successful Pakistan captains as the side won the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 under his leadership.

He also led Pakistan to 11 successive T20I series victories amid his tenure.

Earlier, renowned Pakistan-based umpire Aleem Dar picked wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed as the best modern-day Pakistan captain.

Dar, while speaking on ARY News’ show Bouncer, was asked to pick the best Pakistan captain during his prolonged umpiring career.

He, in response, acknowledged all of Pakistan’s modern-day captains which included Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Babar Azam but revealed that the wicketkeeper batter had the edge over the rest due to his decision-making abilities.

“I believe every one of them had different qualities but if someone had superior game awareness and better captaincy skills then it was Sarfaraz,” shared Dar.

“I think a wicketkeeper is a better decision-maker because he is well aware of what the bowler is bowling and that is why I think it is very important that a wicketkeeper should be the captain,” he added.

Aleem Dar further shared his opinion regarding Babar Azam’s captaincy and claimed that he is also performing well but highlighted the importance of having a good team performance.

“Babar is also performing well but if there is no teamwork and you are performing well [individually] or doing captaincy [is not that important] and hence I believe having a good team [performance] is the most important thing,” stated Dar.

READ: Haris Rauf’s wedding festivities begin

‘Disappointed’ Gul optimistic for Gladiators comeback

KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators’ bowling coach Umar Gul has expressed hope for his team’s comeback in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight.

The Gladiators, who succumbed to their fourth defeat of the ongoing season following a crushing 63-run defeat against Islamabad United on Friday have sunk to the bottom of the points table with only two points in five matches.

The 2019 champions now need to win all their remaining five matches to make a case for themselves to make it to the playoffs.

Meanwhile, amid his side’s dismal campaign in the ongoing PSL 8, bowling coach Gul is still optimistic about his side’s comeback.

“We are too disappointed with this performance,” said Gul in the post-match press conference at National Bank Cricket Arena.

“I think we are still very much in the tournament. We still have a complete chance to make a comeback from here,” he added.

“We have told players that still five matches are left. If we play according to our strength, we will be in the tournament,” he maintained.

Gul then also praised wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan’s astounding 97-run knock against the Gladiators which lifted the United to post a mammoth 220/6 which eventually was too much for the Gladiators.

“Azam played really well and took the match away from us. We made mistakes in all departments. I know we could have done better,” said Gul.

It is pertinent to mention that the Gladiators next face defending champions Lahore Qalandars on March 2 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

READ: Sri Lanka names Test squad for New Zealand tour

‘Hoping our plan against Babar Azam works well’ Umar Gul

DUBAI: Afghanistan bowling coach Umar Gul revealed that the management has made a strategy against Pakistan captain Babar Azam while also expressing that the plan goes well in their favour.

Bowling coach Umar talked to the pre-match press conference ahead of Afghanistan’s upcoming Asia Cup Super Four fixture against Pakistan and expressed his hopes regarding the strategy against top-ranked T20I batter Babar to go as per plan.

“Babar and Rizwan are world-class players. Definitely, we have planned against them as professionals as we do for the other teams. So obviously, we are hoping that our players can execute those plannings against them,” said Umar Gul.

On a question regarding Pakistan speedster Naseem Shah, who impressed the cricketing world with his brilliant performance in the ongoing Asia Cup, Umar praised Naseem’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) performance and termed it a turning point in his success.

“I have worked with Naseem for two years during my coaching tenure for Quetta Gladiators and the way he performed in the last PSL was quite superb and you may call it a turning point for his international career as he made his debut in the white-ball cricket as well,” Umar stated.

“So in my view, he has improved quite well so far physically and also his cricketing skills. Definitely, he is a good bowler and an asset for Pakistan so I wish him good luck in the future. He is improving day by day and the responsibility is also mounting on him,” he added.

The former Pakistan pacer then expressed his desire to witness a good game of cricket between the two sides while also hoping the crowd to come out in numbers to watch the important match.

READ: ‘No doubt on his abilities, he’ll come back stronger’ Saqlain backs Fakhar

‘Pakistan should adopt revision policy for their pacers’ says Umar Gul

DUBAI: Former Pakistan pacer and current Afghanistan bowling coach Umar Gul advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to adopt a rotation policy for their fast bowlers.

Gul, who is accompanying the Afghanistan cricket team here in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022, interacted with the media, heaped praises on Pakistan’s fast bowling attack and shared a piece of advice for the pacers.

“I think Pakistan’s fast bowlers need to be taken care of a lot and for this, a rotation policy needs to be adopted,” stated Gul.

“Pakistan has very good fast bowlers, the bench strength is also good. So, they have to be taken care of,” he maintained.

The former right-arm Pakistan pacer also opined regarding the ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and termed the latter a key player for the country in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi will be very important in T20 World Cup, he must regain his fitness before the global event,” Gul said.

“Everyone expressed their concerns about Shaheen Afridi that he is being overloaded but he kept playing continuously but, we must agree that he also performed really well,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that Gul’s Afghanistan have stormed into the Super 4s of the Asia Cup 2022 by defeating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Group B fixtures. Besides Afghanistan, India have also made their way into the final four.

READ: KP beat Northern in a thriller to secure second win in National T20 Cup