Loss to England increased motivation: Gul by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

---

Player:	Umar Gul
Event:	ICC World Twenty20 2009

---

DateLine: 25th June 2009

 

Pakistan speedster Umar Gul has said that though the side lacked motivation to start off, but the loss against England changed all that.

 

"We had a team meeting in which captain Younis Khan reminded us that we had made a promise we would win this ICC World T20 for our people. We all talked about how important it would be for the country if we could achieve the feat," Gul recalled after reaching home at Nawakheli in Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province on Tuesday.

 

"I think after the loss to England we all realised that we must win this one for our countrymen and to show the world that Pakistanis are fighters and great survivors," he said.

 

Gul, who became the first bowler to take five wickets in a Twenty20 International, was given a hero's welcome when he returned home. Local tribesmen fired in the air and drums were beaten in full intensity outside his newly constructed house.

 

"I am happy that I could play a big role in my country winning the World Cup and hopefully I can continue my good form in coming matches as well," Gul said.

 

"All the players are satisfied knowing they have brought so much joy to the people who are going through tough times."

 

The 25-year-old said that coach Intikhab Alam and assistant coach Aaqib Javed also talked about what the 1992 World Cup win had done for Pakistan cricket.

 

He also said that he owed his success to good counsel from his skipper, the bowling coach and tips from former greats Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.

 

"Having someone as experienced as Abdul Razzaq back in the team also helped. Even after all this talk about ball tampering after the New Zealand match Younis told us to remain focused and concentrate on winning matches," he said.