Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has been ruled out of the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka due to a serious ankle injury.
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"A stress fracture has been revealed on his left ankle which requires six to seven weeks rest," cricket board spokesman Salim Altaf told the BBC.
Mohammad Sami has replaced the injured bowler in the national side for the one-day series against India.
"Akhtar's injury is a blow because he has been our main strike bowler," said chief selector Wasim Bari.
"But hopefully this will give some youngsters a chance to fill the gap."
"Akhtar will resume training after six weeks' rest. Only after that will we assess his chances of touring England, which is an important series.
Pakistan will play two Tests and three one-day matches on their tour of Sri Lanka, although the exact dates have not yet been confirmed.
The side will arrive in England in July and is scheduled to play four Tests and five one-day internationals on that tour.
Sri Lanka, the defeated VB series finalists, will return home this week after a long tour in Australia.
