(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Umar Gul Highlights Lack of All-Rounders in Pakistan Cricket After West Indies Series Defeat
Former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul has expressed concern over the national team’s recent performance in the ODI series against the West Indies, noting that the side is missing the kind of quality all-rounders who once helped Pakistan dominate world cricket.
Speaking on state television after Pakistan’s 2-1 series loss, Gul compared the current squad with the teams of the past, naming Abdul Razzaq, Azhar Mahmood, Mohammad Hafeez and Shahid Afridi as examples of match-winning players who contributed significantly with both bat and ball.
“Back then, our all-rounders were established and that’s why we dominated. Today, our batting is struggling and our bowlers are not picking wickets,” Gul remarked.
He also suggested that the current leadership needs to make better use of the all-rounders available in the squad, pointing out that two such players were not fully utilised in the last two matches of the series.
The series was a historic one for the West Indies, as they broke a 34-year drought to register their first ODI series win over Pakistan since November 1991. In the deciding match, West Indies posted a strong 294 for 6 in their 50 overs, with captain Shai Hope delivering a match-winning innings of 120 runs off 94 balls. Justin Greaves added a quick 43 off 24 deliveries, with the duo sharing a 110-run partnership that set the stage for victory.
This result is being celebrated as a significant achievement for West Indies cricket, marking an important step forward for the Caribbean side on the international stage.
