The paceman is ill and will join up with the side after a few days.

The team, who only appointed a coach for the tour on Tuesday, will play two Tests and a triangular one-day tournament during the two month tour.

"Akhtar is suffering from stomach problems and fever and it will be another few days before he flies to join the team," Pakistan Cricket Board director Brigadier Munawwar Rana said.

Akhtar underwent an examination of his bowling action in Australia with bowling coach Daryl Foster and Dennis Lillee after allegations that he threw the ball.

The team begin their tour with a three-day match against the British Universities at Nottingham on Friday.

Captain Waqar Younis said the team were looking forward to the tour, and especially working with new coach Richard Pybus.

"The boys are excited at the prospect of touring England and working under Pybus, they know him and hope to improve under him," Younis said.

Younis was confident Pakistan could win the Test series, which starts at Lord's on 17 May.

"Opinions vary from person to person and my opinion is that we have a very balanced team and if things fall in the right places we can win in England," the captain said.

"It's tough to play in England and the home team always have the slight advantage," he said.

"We have enough time to decide on team combination for the Tests and frankly speaking I have not made up my mind on that."

After the Test series Pakistan take part in a triangular tournament with the hosts and Australia.