India's Yuvraj Singh [Images], who is the 12th man in the ongoing second Test between India and Pakistan, has been permitted to join the Punjab team for its Ranji Trophy semi-final against Mumbai.

"Yuvraj has been given an opportunity to get some match practice before the next Test," said Board of Control for Cricket in India honorary joint-secretary Goutam Dasgupta on Thursday.

Mohammad Kaif is flying down to Kolkata to replace Yuvraj and would take the field if necessary, he added.

Punjab play hosts Mumbai in the first semi-final, starting on Friday, while Railways take on Hyderabad at Delhi in the second semi-final.