Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Pakistan pace bowler Umar Gul was of the opinion that advice and guidance from senior colleagues is as equally as important as advice from a coach.

"I tend to find that advice and guidance from my senior colleagues is as important to me as advice from the coach. Guys like Rana, Afridi, Younus, Yousuf and other senior players always offer useful advice. I'm not sure whether the Board will appoint a specific bowling coach in future and of course having a bowling coach has its benefits, but if the Board decides that in future we are to manage without a bowling coach, I think we will be ok" stated Gul.

Gul also confirmed to PakPassion that he will be representing Habib Bank in this season's Quaid e Azam Trophy. "I'm looking forward to playing some cricket in the Quaid e Azam Trophy and although I won't be playing in the first game against Karachi Whites which starts on Saturday, I'll be turning out for Habib Bank whenever possible. Its important to retain fitness and sharpness and the Quaid e Azam tournament presents me with the perfect opportunity to get some match practice ahead of future international commitments".

Gul who has in the past suffered from a serious back injury which cast a doubt over his cricketing career said that he was happy with his fitness levels at the moment. "I feel good and thankfully the back injury has not recurred. I'm working hard on maintaining high levels of fitness and the hard work seems to be paying off".

Gul who has an impressive 95 wickets in 64 one day internationals also stated that "County Cricket was something that interests me, but not at the expense of international cricket. Maybe at some point in future I'll play some County cricket, but as things stand my priority is to play for my country. The international calendar is so hectic that even if I did sign for a County team it would probably only have to be a short term deal".

The former Kolkata Knight Riders pacer further stated "We'll have to see what happens regarding the IPL, its something that is out of my hands. If the government gives me and the other Pakistan players approval to play in the tournament, then of course I'll play. If we dont get approval, then that is a decision we will have to accept".

Responding to a question regarding the lack of reverse swing during the Champions Trophy in South Africa, Gul stated "the weather didnt seem to be too conducive for reversing the ball, the wickets were pretty slow and it was early season in South Africa, not a time when the ball will reverse too much".

Rumours surrounding the future of skipper Younus Khan and coach Intikhab Alam and of possible match fixing have angered Umar and he said "whenever Pakistan loses there are certain people who overreact and go too far with the criticism and pointing the finger of blame. When we win, everything is great with those same people and when we lose, we get such harsh criticisim, but I'm hopeful that we will do well in future starting with the series against New Zealand in UAE.