Gul's absence could dent Pak's chances in ICC T20 World Championship: Younis

Karachi, Apr.27 (ANI): The absence of experienced fast bowler Umar Gul could dent Pakistan's chances of retaining the ICC World T20 Championship in the West Indies, former captain Younis Khan has said.

Khan said Gul would have played a vital role in Pakistan's campaign, as he has been one of the key players in the squad during the last two T20 World Championships.

"It's a huge setback for us that Gul has been ruled out as he has proved to be very successful for us in T20. He was one of the key players in helping Pakistan reach the last two T20 World Cup finals," The Dawn quoted Gul, as saying.

He, however said, that the Pakistan team still has got players who could help in lifting the coveted title for the second consecutive time.

"I still feel we can work our way through. We have good bowlers like Aamir, Asif, Ajmal and Afridi. We are still capable of reaching the semis and after that you just need a bit of luck," Younis said.

Speaking about pacer Mohammed Sami and left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman, who were roped in at the last moment as replacements for injured Gul and all rounder Yair Aarafat, the former skipper said they have been performing well in the domestic tournaments, and hoped that both will come good during the upcoming tournament.

"Sami and Rehman are good choices as both of them have done well in domestic matches. Although Sami has received many opportunities in the past without being successful, he did well in Australia and has also been giving a good showing in domestic cricket," Younis said. (ANI)