Gul to play for Western Australia

After middle-order batsman Younis Khan and fast bowler Sohail Tanvir's forays into Australia's domestic cricket, it is now the turn of Umar Gul to play Down Under after receiving an offer from Western Australia.

"Yes, they want to sign me up particularly for their Twenty20 championship. I have asked them to give me the financial details. I am interested since Pakistan is not playing any matches these days," said Gul.

He said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given him the clearance to play in Australia provided he is available for national duty when required.

"I have got permission to sign up for Western Australia whose coach, Tom Moody spoke to me about a possible contract," Gul said.

Gul, who made a comeback from an elbow injury, has been one of Pakistan's main bowlers in recent times due to the unavailability of strike bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif on fitness and disciplinary grounds.

A PCB official said due to lack of international cricket the players were allowed to take part in foreign domestic tournaments so that they could make financial gains and keep themselves match fit.

Tanvir has signed up for South Australia to play in the domestic Twenty20 championship and leaves next week while Younis completed a stint in the Sheffield Shield competition recently.