Pakistan want fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar released early from his contract with English county side Durham so he can play in this month's home Test series against Bangladesh.

Fellow paceman Mohammad Sami has already been ruled out through injury while all-rounder Azhar Mahmood is unavailable.

"Shoaib was given permission to play for Durham until September and skip the Bangladesh series. But due to the injury to Sami the selectors now want him for the series," said Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman Samiul Hasan.

"We have written to Durham, to give an early release to Shoaib and are waiting for their response," Hasan said.

Off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has also been asked to get an early release from Surrey and be available for the Bangladesh series.

"Saqlain has confirmed he would be returning home later this month before the Test series," Hasan added.

The first of three Tests starts in Karachi on August 20.