Pak media says team to experience 'lack of warmth' in Champions Trophy with Gul's absence

Pakistan cricketer Umar Gul's absence from the ICC Champions Trophy squad due to the knee surgery is a big blow for Pakistan given his love for major tournaments, English conditions and, lately, digging his team out of trouble with the bat, according to the Pakistani media.

According to The Dawn, although Gul's form has always been patchy and his wickets record inconsistent but it is his dedication to the job at hand while taking responsibility that has often been overlooked but has been vouched for by his teammates.

The report further said that although the team is strengthened by the form of Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan, but the experience as an unit is lacking, as acknowledged by Test and ODI captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who, although resting his faith in the youngsters, has however, acknowledged that Gul's presence would have made a lot of difference in the middle.

The report further said that even if Gul's strike-rate, tally, star value and personality are no match to Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Mohammad Amir. and Shoaib Akhtar respectively, he, however, has defied mischief off the field.

The report also mentioned that Gul is like the warmth of a jumper in the umpire's hands - it is not necessary for the entire duration but one feels safe that it is only steps away from reach.

With chilly conditions greeting Pakistan in Scotland, the warmth that Gul could have provided to the youngsters there and in the Champions Trophy could have proved handy, the report added.