LAHORE: All-rounder Abdul Razzaq said he was excited at the prospect of reviving his international career after he was cleared to join Pakistan as a replacement in the World Twenty20. The 29-year-old replaces Yasir Arafat in the squad after the paceman was ruled out of the rest of the tournament when he pulled his hamstring in the opening match against hosts England on Sunday.

“I am over the moon. It’s a great moment and a chance to revive my career,” Razzaq said. “I will be flying early Friday and hope to join the team in time for the Sri Lanka match.” Pakistan face Sri Lanka in their first Super Eight match on Friday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) asked the ICC to allow Razzaq to join the squad and their request was granted late Wednesday. Razzaq joined the Indian Cricket League (ICL) in protest at being left out of Pakistan’s team for the World Twenty20 in 2007. He and 22 others, who joined the ICL, were banned from all forms of cricket in Pakistan. A Sindh high court earlier this year suspended the ban on Razzaq and 20 others. Razzaq broke his ties with the ICL last month, a prerequisite for PCB clearance to play at international level. He will be the first player from the ICL to resume international career.