Gul signs for Gloucestershire

Umar Gul, the Pakistan fast bowler, has signed a one-year contract with Gloucestershire for 2007. Gul, 24, led Pakistan's attack in the absence of Shoaib Akhtar against England in 2006 and was by some distance their best bowler, taking 18 wickets in the four-Test series.

"I am very excited about joining a county steeped in such great history as Gloucestershire's," Gul told the club's website. "I believe that with a lot of hard work we will be able to achieve many good things in the coming season."

Jon Lewis, the Gloucestershire captain, was delighted to have secured the services of such a promising fast bowler. "This is a massive boost for Gloucestershire cricket," Lewis said. "Umar is a quality fast bowler and will bring a real cutting edge to our attack. Throughout this summer he was the most consistent and threatening Pakistani bowler in England. I have been watching him from close quarters during the summer and have been thoroughly impressed by his professionalism and appetite for the game."

Gul is currently in India for the Champions Trophy. Although he will be available to Gloucestershire for the entire 2007 season, he could miss the opening matches if selected for next year's World Cup in the Caribbean.