Pakistan give Shoaib Malik 10 days' leave for personal reasons

Malik will miss the T20 clash in Cardiff on Sunday and the first one-day international at the Kia Oval on May 8

Pakistan will be without Shoaib Malik for their first two games against England this summer due to personal reasons.

Malik has been granted 10 days' leave by the Pakistan Cricket Board and will miss the T20 clash in Cardiff on Sunday and the first one-day international at the Kia Oval on May 8.

The veteran allrounder is expected to return for the ODI in Southampton on May 11.

The PCB have not given any further explanation of his absence.

In a statement, the governing body said: "The Pakistan cricket team management has given leave to Shoaib Malik so that he can return home to deal with a personal issue. He is expected to rejoin the team in 10 days’ time.

"The PCB will not be making any further comments and fully expects all concerned to respect Shoaib’s privacy."