Pakistan concerned about Gul deal

Gul made his international debut aged 20

Pakistan Cricket Board officials have asked Gloucestershire to assure them about Umar Gul before agreeing to the paceman's move to the county this year.

Gul, 24, will spearhead Pakistan's World Cup attack, having recovered from the shin injury that curtailed his tour of South Africa late last year.

"We have asked that there will be acceptable workloads for Umar as he's a valuable player for us," the PCB said.

"We don't want to prevent a contract but we have to safeguard his future."

Gul has become an important component of the Pakistan bowling unit, in both forms of the international game.

He has taken 61 wickets in only 14 Test matches, claiming 5-31 against India in 2004 and collecting 18 wickets in the four completed Tests in England last summer.

Gloucestershire are in need of some firepower in their attack, with skipper Jon Lewis often required by England.

Lewis captured 48 Championship wickets last term, with fiery Yorkshireman Steve Kirby taking 49.

The team could only finish seventh in Division One of the Championship, however, but will play in the top division of the Pro40 having pipped Worcestershire to win Division Two.