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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has accepted the request of paceman Wasim Akram, to release him from the two-Test series against South Africa starting at Durban from Dec 26.

Wasim, who had confined himself for One-day cricket but suddenly made himself available for Test cricket after reaching Zimbabwe for the five One-day series last month, reverted to his earlier decision with the approval of the PCB.

" The chairman of the PCB Lt Gen Tauqir Zia, spoke to Wasim over telephone yesterday (Tuesday), and after hearing him out, has agreed to accede to his request" acting director PCB Zakir Khan said. However, Zakir avoided to reveal any details of the conversation held between the chairman and the bowler.

After Wasim's omission a 15-member team will play the Test series as no replacement was being made, Zakir said.

Wasim along with wicketkeeper Rashid Latif and Misbahul Haq will return home on Dec 20 while middle-order batsman Hasan Raza will join the team for the Tests on Dec 17. Rashid has also limited himself to One-day cricket.

Former batsman, Hanif Mohammad, who is the batting consultant of the team will leave for South Africa Saturday.

© Dawn