Lahore, Sep 29 : Former Pakistan cricket captain Inzamamul Haq has turned down an offer to play in the first Test against South Africa from October 1-5, for unknown reasons.

"I spoke to him and asked him about his availability. But he said not to consider him for unknown reasons. He will obviously be considered if wants to play in the second match," said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee head Salahuddin Ahmad.

Inzamam, 38, stepped down as captain and retired from One-day internationals after his team’s first round exit from the World Cup in the West Indies.

Earlier, Inzamam had said that he wants to continue playing Test cricket and needs 21 more runs to overtake former captain Javed Miandad, who totalled 8,832, as Pakistan’s highest Test scorer.

Misbahul Haq, Yasir Hameed and Taufiq Umar have been included in the 15-man squad named for the first Test, chief selector Salahuddin told reporters.

Misbah has been rewarded for his performances in the recently concluded Twenty20 World Cup, the Daily Times reported.

Commenting on Shoaib Akhtar, Salahuddin said fast bowler Akhtar was not considered for selection as he faces a disciplinary inquiry.

"As per the policy of the PCB, a decision against Akhtar is lying with the disciplinary committee. So, he was not considered."

Rao Iftikhar Anjum has taken the third fast bowler’s spot, edging out Sohail Tanvir, the left-arm, wrong-footed bowler who did so well in the Twenty20 World Cup.

"Sohail is a very talented all-rounder but we feel he still has some time before he is ready for the longer version of the game," said Salahuddin. (With inputs from ANI)