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Karachi: Pakistan chief selector Mohsin Khan said experienced pacer Umar Gul is doubtful for the Twenty20 World Cup after suffering a shoulder injury during the training camp in Lahore.
"I have spoken to coach Waqar Younis and the feedback is that it will only be known if Umar is fit to take part in the World Cup when MRI scan reports of his injury come later today," Mohsin said.
"I am told it is an injury which is of some concern. But the reports will come today and we should know for sure how serious the injury is," he added.
Mohsin said if Gul is not fit then the selectors would pick a player from the five reserves to replace him.
Sources said fast bowler Mohammad Sami is the strongest candidate to replace Gul if he is ruled out of the tournament.
All-rounder Yasir Arafat is also carrying a calf muscle injury and sources said his participation in the Twenty20 World Cup is also doubtful since he has not bowled in the camp for a while.
"The MRI scan reports should be with us by tomorrow after which we will have a clear picture," a board official said.
Gul has been Pakistan's leading wicket-taker in the Twenty20 format of the game and was outstanding in the first two World Cups in South Africa and England.
Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi admitted that if Umar was ruled out it would be a big blow for the team.
"He is our most experienced bowler and very good in this format of the game. Plus the pitches in the West Indies would have suited his type of bowling as he is good at reverse swing," Afridi said.
The senior player said Gul could still make it for the World Cup but the indications of his going to the West Indies were not very good.
Besides Gul and Yasir, there has been spate of other injuries in the training camp, raising concerns over whether the training methods and drills were too hard for the players.
Pakistan manager Yawar Saeed, however, dispelled this impression.
"We are going to play the World Cup in hot conditions and we need to prepare in similar conditions. The players are also being given proper breaks and rest. They are definitely not being overworked," Yawar said.
