Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar [Images] pulled out of the upcoming Test series against India citing fitness problems.

"I aggravated my injury a couple of days ago and now it seems that I will take four to five weeks to recover and play any competitive match," Shoaib told reporters in Lahore [Images] on Friday.

Shoaib said he does not want to risk another breakdown in the midst of a series as it happened in Australia recently.

The paceman, however, said he would consider playing the one-day series that would follow the three Tests provided he regains fitness.

"I am certainly not a candidate for the Tests, but if I recover by the time the one-day series begins, I will inform the cricket board. They can then select me if they feel the team requires me," said the 29-year-old, who was fined by the PCB on Thursday for breaching the code of conduct.

Shoaib said he had communicated his decision to the PCB but the Board's media advisor, Abbas Zaidi, said he has no information as yet on his pull-out.

"I have received a few telephone calls inquiring about the pull-out but I have no official knowledge about Shoaib's withdrawal from the Indian tour," Zaidi said.

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq said Shoaib's withdrawal is a "terrible blow" to the team ahead of such an important series.

"It's a terrible blow for us because it's difficult to go on a tough tour like India without your premier bowler. But I think Shoaib is at a stage in his career where he is the best judge of his fitness. I hope he makes speedy recovery and makes himself available soon."

The Pakistani skipper also said he would like to talk to Shoaib but admitted that if the bowler feels he is unfit, there is little he can do.

Pakistan, who are scheduled to play three Tests and five one-dayers against India, are already struggling in the bowling department with a host of frontline pacemen sidelined due to injuries.