Umar Gul, Yasir Arafat out - Muhammad Sami and Muhammad Irfan In

Serious blow indeed to the on-going World T20 camp in Lahore when Pakistan's ace bowler in T20, Umar Gul got injured during fielding drilling and Yasir Arafat having calf injury and medical assessments showed results in negative. Their replacements were announced with the consensus from skipper, coach and chief selector, Muhammad Sami and hulking Muhammad Irfan, who was selected on the performance of recently concluded RBS Domestic T20 tournament in Karachi, although keeping in mind he was not initially included in the 15-men squad or in the reserves but the potential surprise value his height brings have thought to have persuaded the management to prompt for him.

Lets hope, that he would be a prospect in the T20 world cup in the Caribbean, which is the land from where Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh belongs to, although have heard that the pitches over there have been flattened compared to those times when both of these Windies great used to play, still he (Muhammad Irfan) might get some support from the pitch and from his height, similarly the way at a time Muhammad Shabbir did.

I personally feel Muhammad Sami was the perfect replacement for the ace Umar Gul as his performance is no secret, whether its the Sydney test or in the RBS Domestic T20 performance, he was the best candidate to be selected as the replacement for Umar Gul, but still Umar Gul will be missed in the tournament as he was consequently the leading wicket taker in 2007 and 2009 edition of the 20 over game with his famous 5 wickets for 6 runs in 4 overs spell against the New Zealand during a semifinal game in World T20 last year played in England.

Lets hope for the best.

Peace!