Pakistan recall Umar Gul for Ireland and England ODIs

Pakistan on Tuesday (August 9) recalled paceman Umar Gul after a 15-month lay-off in the squad for the two one-day internationals in Ireland and five in England starting later this month.

The 32-year-old last played a one-day match in Dhaka against Bangladesh in April 2015 before being discarded over his lack of form and fitness.

He has 173 one-day wickets from 126 matches in a stellar career, marred by recent injury problems.

Azhar Ali will lead the side which has uncapped 22-year-old all-rounder Hasan Ali, but there was no place for opener Ahmed Shehzad and middle-order batsman Umar Akmal.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan last week said both players were axed from the initial squad of 31 because of discipline issues.

Umar has not played for Pakistan since the 2015 World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand.

“This squad is a blend of youth and experience and the selectors hoped it will do well,” said chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. “We have included some young players like Ali to build the team for the future.”

Ali took 20 wickets in eight matches for Pakistan’s second team on the England tour that ended earlier this month.

Pakistan has lost the last three of its four one-day series, sliding to as low as ninth in the limited overs rankings.

The team are currently playing the final Test against England at the Oval, which started on Thursday (August 11), before leaving for Ireland, where they play two one-day internationals in Dublin on August 18 and 20.

The visitors will then play five one-day internationals against England in Southampton (August 24), Lord’s (August 27), Nottingham (August 30), Leeds (September 1) and Cardiff (September 4).

Pakistan also face England in the only Twenty20 international at Old Trafford on September 7, the squad for which will be named at a later date.