Paceman Shabbir Ahmed was expected to join the Pakistani team for the last two games of the ongoing six-match one-day international series in India.

A national selector confirmed that the selection committee, headed by Wasim Bari, was impressed with the fitess of Shabbir, who last played a one-dayer in August last year before breaking down with knee injuries. Later he received treatment in South Africa.

"In the last week, he has played in three matches and has shown considerable improvement. He looks very fit but probably requires a little more match practice before he is ready to resume international cricket," the selector said on the condition of anonymity.

"We (selectors) consulted Shabbir who has agreed to play in a few of domestic one-day cup matches before a final decision on his participation in the Indian series can be taken," he added.

Shabbir will play for National Bank of Pakistan in the league matches of the domestic Patron's Cup one-day tournament to be held between April 3 and 16.

"We have not received any request from the team management for Shabbir (so far). But considering the tour of West Indies [Images] (in June) and not much cricket after the India tour and before West Indies series, we are contemplating to fly out Shabbir so that he gets some taste of international cricket," he said.

He said if needed Shabbir may be asked to join the team in Kanpur on April 15.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two boards, a one-day team can comprise not more than 16 players.

But the selector said the decision on which  player would return to accommodate Shabbir will be taken with the consent of the team management and after analysing the trend of the one-day series.

"No decision on the replacement will be taken without the consultation of the team management," he said.