Sohail Tanvir opts out of Victoria contract

Pakistan allrounder Sohail Tanvir has pulled out of a contract with Australian domestic side Victoria after doctors advised him to rest an injured knee. Tanvir, 25, was due to play in the Twenty20 Big Bash, but made himself unavailable with the healing process requiring two to three weeks.

"Tanvir had to pull out of his contract with Cricket Victoria, as he has been further advised by doctors to make sure his knee injury is properly healed," a statement from his agents said.

Tanvir, who last year turned out for South Australia in the event, taking only two wickets in 14 overs at an impressive 6.50, has recently recovered from back trouble and a knee injury which forced him out of the national team. His ambitions to play for Surrey in the county season also failed to materialise earlier this year over immigration issues.

"As much as I feel really good on my fitness, I have to listen to the advice of my doctors at the PCB," Tanvir was quoted in the statement. "This is a huge loss for me and my cricket, but it is important that I have the go ahead from my doctors who have been working on my knee injury for a few months, as I have been recovering.

"I would like to thank Cricket Victoria for giving me the opportunity, and wish them best of luck in the T20 competition."

He said he hoped to recover in time to regain his place in Pakistan's one-day squad for next month's five-match series against Australia. He has featured in two Tests, 31 one-dayers and 15 Twenty20 internationals for Pakistan since making his debut in 2007.

Tanvir, who was dropped for the series in Sri Lanka after a poor 2009 World Twenty20, also finished as the leading wicket-taker in the inaugural IPL with the champions Rajasthan Royals.

Shahid Afridi, flew to Australia early on Friday to play for South Australia in the Big Bash.