Pakistan suffered a body blow on Friday as in-form pacer Umar Gul was ruled out of the entire Asia Cup following a rib cartilage injury.

Chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed said scan reports showed that Gul has a problem with his rib cartilage and been advised at least two weeks' rest by doctors.

• Asia Cup 2008 coverage

Pacer Abdul Rauf, who played a match against Zimbabwe earlier this year, is likely to be named as Gul's replacement, as first choice fast bowler Sohail Khan [Images] is yet to recover from a bout of malaria.

"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 bowlers," the chief selector said.

Gul limped off the field after bowling just 1.2 overs against India on Thursday night and sources said his lay-off from the game could be longer.

Gul said he is feeling some discomfort in the rib cage area.

"I don't know exactly what it is but I felt pain after just a few balls and it became unbearable," he said.

He said missing the rest of the Asia Cup midway through the tournament is a big disappointment as he was looking forward to playing in the final.