Fast bowler Umar Gul calls it a day

Fast bowler Umar Gul has announced he will be retiring from all forms of cricket after a 20-year professional career as his side, Balochistan, failed to qualify for the National T20 Cup semifinals.

In a statement, he said he had made the decision with a “heavy heart and after a lot of thinking”.
“I have always played for Pakistan with all my heart and 100 per cent hard work. Cricket is and will always be my love and passion. But all good things have to come to an end.”

In a separate statement carried on the PCB’s website, Gul said it had been an honour to represent his club, city, province and country at various levels for two decades.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my cricket, which has taught me the values of hard work, respect, commitment and determination. During this journey, I have had the pleasure of meeting numerous people who have helped and supported me in some way. I want to thank all those people as well as my team mates and peers for their support.

“I owe a big thanks to the fans who supported me throughout my journey. They have been an inspiration, especially at times when things were not so great.”

He said that he was now looking forward to spending valuable time with his family, adding that it would be difficult to stay away from the game.
“I now look forward to giving back to the sport and the country that has made me one of the most fortunate and luckiest people on the planet.”