Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul bids adieu to all forms of cricket

Umar Gul, the Pakistan fast bowler, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, pulling down the curtains on a career that spanned nearly two decades. The speedster took the call after the National T20 Cup match against Southern Punjab in Rawalpindi. The veteran represented Balochistan, who lost the game. Gul couldn’t get a wicket, conceding 34 runs in two overs.

His best figures of four for 37 came against Central Punjab in Multan, taking his team to a three-run victory. As far as Friday’s match was concerned, the 36-year-old was given a guard of honour even as he walked off with tears in his eyes. After the conclusion of the match, the Peshawar-born fast bowler put forth his thoughts in a series of tweets.

Umar Gul calls it a day

“With a very heavy heart and after a lot of thinking, I have decided to bid farewell to all formats of cricket after this National T20 Cup. I have always played for Pakistan with all my heart and 100% of hardwork. Cricket is and will always be my love n passion but all good things have to come to an end. Praying that the future will hold much more for me,” he wrote.

“Secondly, I would like to thank @TheRealPCB and all the coaches and people who have been a part of my cricketing journey. Special thanks to media, my fans and followers who made it all worthwhile n supported me at all times. Thank u so much,” Gul added.

Here are the tweets:

Gul made his international debut back in 2003 in an ODI against Zimbabwe in Sharjah. In the same year, he forayed into Test cricket as well after he made his debut against Bangladesh at the National Stadium in Karachi. From there on, he went on to represent Pakistan in 47 Tests, 130 ODIs, and 60 T20Is, picking up 163, 179, and 85 wickets respectively with eight five-wicket hauls.

Back in 2009, he was also a part of Pakistan’s World T20 winning team. The pacer last donned the national jersey in 2016 in a T20I against England in Cardiff. Moreover, Gul plied his trade for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2008 Indian Premier League (IPL) where he picked 12 wickets from six matches.