Razzaq provides balance to the Pakistan team

Razzaq is suffering from a severe chest infection and has less than three weeks to recover before the opening Test match in Lahore on 14 January.

"It is a terrible blow to me to fall ill just when India is due to arrive.

"I am feeling very weak and doctors say it will take time before I can resume playing cricket," he said.

"But I am keeping my fingers crossed that I am able to regain full fitness before the first Test."

Razzaq recently missed an entire Test series against England, which Pakistan won 2-0, before returning to action in the one-day internationals.