Umar Gul named as bowling coach for Afghanistan cricket team

Former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul has been appointed as the new bowling coach of the Afghanistan cricket team.

The world cup-winning ex-speedster will join the Afghanistan cricket team's camp in Abu Dhabi on the 4th of April. The 37-year old has signed a short term contract with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) of three weeks, but it could be extended.

Gul, during his illustrious international career, bagged 427 wickets in 237 games for Pakistan. The ex-Pakistan international possesses plenty of coaching experience at the domestic level as he was the bowling coach of Quetta Gladiators in Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Galle Gladiators in Lanka Premier League (LPL).

"After coaching at PSL, KPL, LPL and domestic level, it is a pleasure to be associated with an international team. I will try my best to help the Afghan bowlers with my experience," Gul was quoted by Cricket Pakistan. 

Gul, considered one of the finest bowlers in T20 Cricket, will try and improve the pace bowling unit of the Afghanistan men's side. The Asian side possesses world-class spinners; however, they are devoid of some genuine fast bowlers, which has been a massive concern for them over the years.

Former England batter, Graham Thorpe, was appointed as the head coach of the Afghanistan Cricket Team a few days back after the latter parted ways with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after the humiliating 4-nil Ashes defeat. 

Umar Gul will be seen in action alongside Thorpe, who will be looking to take Afghanistan Cricket forward.

Afghanistan men's national team will be in action in a five-match T20I series against Ireland in August as part of preparations for the T20 World Cup in Australia.