December 12, 2002	Thursday	Shawwal 7, 1423

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LAHORE, Dec 11: 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.