Experienced Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul and all-rounder Yasir Arafat have been ruled out of the Twenty20 World Cup squad due to fitness problems.
“We have recommended the names of fast bowler Mohammad Sami and another young pace bowler Mohammad Irfan to the board Chairman for final approval as replacements for the World Cup,” chief selector Mohsin Khan told reporters on Sunday.
The tournament is due to be held in the West Indies from April 30. Pakistan are the defending champions.
Gul, Pakistan’s most successful bowler in the Twenty20 format and their leading wicket-taker at the last two World Cups, has a shoulder injury and Yasir a calf problem.
“They are very good at this form of the sport and proven performers but we have to manage with the players we have,” coach Waqar Younis said. — Reuters