Saeed Anwar has been ruled out of Pakistan's two-match Test series against New Zealand next month because of his lack of general fitness. "The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) medical panel feels Anwar needs to train regularly for a period of three to four weeks before achieving the form and fitness required to play international cricket," a PCB press release said.

The announcement rules Anwar out of the Test series, which starts in Lahore on May 1.

Earlier this month Anwar had reportedly claimed he has regained fitness and would be available to play against New Zealand.

Anwar, 32, injured his wrist in Sharjah in October last year, missing Pakistan's tour of Bangladesh in January and the Sharjah Test series against West Indies earlier this year.

He was also not considered for selection in the ongoing one-day series against New Zealand.

"Anwar should play domestic matches and then his fitness will be assessed by the panel," the statement said.

Anwar has scored 4052 runs in 55 Tests as well as 8348 runs in 230 one-day internationals, with a world-record one-day score of 194 against India at Chennai in 1997.

Anwar became a devout Muslim, sporting a long beard following the death of his daughter in September last year.

Reports in Pakistan Anwar would not be given a chance to return as he distracted senior players with his preaching.

Anwar denied the reports, saying he wanted to play until next year's World Cup. He said that turning to religion didn't mean he would retire from the game.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd