Injured Gul out of Asia Cup

Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul has been ruled out for the remainder of the Asia Cup because of a rib cartilage injury. He has been advised two weeks rest, and Abdur Rauf takes his place in the squad.

"Gul has been advised complete rest for at least two weeks and this is a big setback for us as he is one of our main bowler's," Salahuddin Ahmed, a Pakistan selector, told PTI.

Gul sustained the injury during Pakistan's group match against India on Thursday. He pulled up in his first over and, despite receiving some treatment, had to leave the field after bowling only 1.2 overs. His departure left Pakistan's bowling attack severely depleted and India chased down their target of 300 with 47 balls to spare.

"I don't know exactly what it is but I felt pain after just a few balls and it became unbearable," Gul said. Abdur Rauf, the fast bowler who made his debut against Zimbabwe in February, is likely to be named as a replacement. Sohail Khan, who was part of Pakistan's squad for the Kitply Cup in Bangladesh, hasn't recovered from a malaria attack.

Pakistan qualified second from their group after their loss to India and their first match of the second round is against Sri Lanka on Sunday.