LAHORE, July 31: Pakistan suffered another blow when middle-order batsman Younis Khan expressed his unavailability for the opening two Tests against Bangladesh.

Earlier, pacemen Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami had opted out of the series also, as well as paceman Abdul Razzaq, who later changed his his decision and will now be available.

“Younis Khan requested the PCB chairman that he may be allowed to skip the first two Tests against Bangladesh because of family commitments. His request has been accepted by the PCB chairman,” a spokesman of the board said.

The spokesman added that the PCB sought the availability of 36 cricketers for the forthcoming season.

“All the players have made themselves available for the forthcoming domestic international commitments. But that doesn’t mean that those 36 players will be invited for the training camp.

Off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq who had also expressed his inability to play the series has now informed the board of his availability.

The spokesman further said the PCB had only come to know about the availability of paceman Mohammad Sami for the third Test and five One-day Internationals against Bangladesh through media reports.

“The PCB policy is very clear. He has to undergo fitness tests and has to be cleared by the PCB panel of doctors before he is considered for selection,” he said.

Sami suffered an ankle injury while playing for Kent in the English  County  Championships.  The selectors were now contemplating including express fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar who was last month allowed to skip the series against Bangladesh.

“In the absence of Sami, the selectors believe a strike bowler would be required. And for that, the PCB Cricket Operation department was contacting Durham’s management to seek Shoaib’s fitness and availability,” the spokesman said.

The sudden ins and outs of the seasoned players showed there is no proper planning of the players and the board as well.

The series is only days ahead, but Pakistan are yet to confirm its first line-up.