Wasim, Pakistan's leading wicket-taker in both forms of the game, with 414 in Tests and 486 in one-day internationals, has featured in just two of Pakistan's last 11 Tests.

He missed the October Test series against Australia saying he wanted to concentrate on limited-overs matches and the World Cup.

But he was named to play in the series in South Africa that follows the five-match one-day series.

"Wasim has told the (team) manager about his unavailability and he in turn has informed the board about this situation," Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman Samiul Hasan said.

"But no final decision has been taken on this issue."

"We have no plans at the moment to recall him after the one-day series in South Africa."

They arrived in fine form after winning both Tests and all five ODIs on a tour of Zimbabwe and open their tour south of the border against an invitational XI on Tuesday.

"We've come here to try and win the series against South Africa," skipper Waqar Younis said.

"But at the same time it gives us a good opportunity to try and find our best team and exploit the conditions to get used to them for the World Cup."

Pakistan have taken a 17-man squad to the Republic, and have until 31 December to slim that down to 15 for the World Cup.

"We will have a good idea after the one-day series about the make up of our World Cup squad," said coach Richard Pybus.

"We have a full strength squad and playing here will give us a good bench mark as to where we are for the World Cup."