Pakistani left arm medium fast bowler Sohail Tanvir has not been included in either the one day or Twenty/20 squad announced today by the selection committee, due to the recurrence of a knee injury.

Speaking to PakPassion.net Tanvir confirmed that the knee ligament problem that he has been suffering from in recent weeks had not healed sufficiently and he was therefore ruled out of the forthcoming one day and Twenty/20 matches in Australia.

"I was hopeful that I would be fit for the matches in Australia, but unfortunately the knee is not 100% right. I discussed the situation with the selectors and we thought it's best that I rest" stated Tanvir.

Tanvir last month confirmed to PakPassion.net that he was suffering from a knee ligament injury that occurred whilst he was doing some fielding drills at the National Cricket Academy and that he was hopeful that he would be fit for the 5 one day internationals and one Twenty/20 international in Australia. However the knee problem has meant that Tanvir joins Abdul Razzaq on the sidelines.

"The medical experts have given me the go ahead to start playing again from 18th January, but the first one dayer in Brisbane is on 22nd January, which meant that I wouldn't have had enough time to get some match practice under my belt and to be totally right for the games in Australia" added Tanvir.

Tanvir though is excited about all the upcoming cricket for Pakistan in 2010 and hopes to be able to play a major role in a busy schedule. "Missing the games in Australia is a big blow for me, but I didn't want to risk playing when not fully match fit. I am confident that I will be fully fit and ready for the matches in the UAE next month and then of course the Twenty/20 World Cup in May if selected".

Tanvir was widely expected to feature in both one day and Twenty/20 squads for Pakistan for the six matches in Australia and his presence especially in the Twenty over format will be missed by a Pakistani cricket squad struggling down under.