Umar Gul out of Champions Trophy with injury

Islamabad: Fast bowler Umar Gul has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy with a right knee injury, a Pakistan Cricket Board official said on Thursday.

Australian orthopaedic surgeon Alexander David Young told Gul he needs surgery after examining fast bowler.

“Dr Young, after examining Gul’s initial medical reports, has confirmed damage to his right knee and has given a timeline of eight to 12 weeks for his full recovery,” PCB’s Nadeem Sarwar said in a statement. “Hopefully, Gul will be operated in Melbourne in the first week of May.”

Gul complained of pain in his right knee after the third One Day International against South Africa last month and did not participate in the last two ODIs against the Proteas. Pakistan lost the series 3-2.

Young’s previous patients among international athletes include Pakistan’s former test pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar and former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq.

Gul’s absence could be a major blow to Pakistan’s chances in the Champions Trophy in England this June as it is placed in Group B along with West Indies, South Africa and archrival India. Group A comprises defending champion Australia, England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

Gul will also miss legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram’s training camp for pace bowlers in Karachi, which starts later this week.