Akmal called up to replace Haider

Uncapped wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal today got a surprise call-up to the Pakistan squad for the two-Test series against South Africa following the dramatic exit of Zulqarnain Haider.

Haider has reportedly quit international cricket, having fled to London after apparently receiving threatening messages before yesterday's final one-day international in Dubai.

All-rounder Mohammed Hafeez will also join the squad as the Pakistan Cricket Board have refused to give clearance to Danish Kaneria.

Adnan is the third of the Kamran siblings after Akmal and Umar to earn a national call-up. The 25-year-old is likely to make his international debut in the first Test which gets under way in Dubai on Thursday.

The 30-year-old Hafeez has been retained from the team that played the limited-overs series, which South Africa won 3-2.

Adnan has represented Pakistan at Under-17 level besides playing for the PCB Blues.

"In consultation with the Team Management, the Selection Committee recommended and Chairman PCB approved the name of Wicket keeper Adnan Akmal to join the Pakistan team in UAE for Test series against South Africa," the PCB media release said.

"Muhammad Hafeez will replace Danish Keneria in the Test Squad and will remain with the team in UAE for the Test Series," added the statement.

The second and final Test will be played in Abu Dhabi from November 20.