Former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul has been appointed as Afghanistan cricket team’s bowling coach. Gul is set to join Afghanistan team's national camp on April 4, 2022. According to Gul's agreement with Afghanistan Cricket Board, he will undergo a three-week period with the players. After the initial period, Gul will he handed over an extension.
After coaching at PSL, KPL, LPL, and domestic level, it is a pleasure to be associated with an international team. I will try my best to help the Afghan bowlers with my experience,” Gul said in a statement as per Cricket Pakistan.
“Honoured to be taking up this role with the @ACBofficials. Looking forward to imparting the best of the knowledge that I have and making it worth it for the boys” the 39-year-old posted on his Twitter handle.
Afghanistan have produced quality spinners over the years in form of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman and others. However, they lack in the fast-bowling department which has been a setback for them in big tournaments.
Gul has been considered one of the best Pakistan fast bowlers of 21st century. The Peshawar-born pacer has picked up 85 wickets from 60 matches at an average of 16.97 including two five-wicket haul. He is still Pakistan’s highest wicket-taking fast bowler in the format.
Gul will be joining former England batter Graham Thorpe, who was recently appointed as the head coach.
The Pakistan pacer has experience of coaching T20 franchises. In Pakistan Super League (PSL), he has been bowling coach for the Quetta Gladiators. Also, he was with Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise Galle Gladiators.
Apart from his T20I records, Gul has represented Pakistan in 47 Tests and 130 ODIs, taking 163 and 179 wickets respectively. He made his international debut in 2003 and played his last game for Pakistan in 2016. In the inaugural edition of T20 World Cup, he was the highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets from seven games.
