Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik, batsman Azhar Ali and pace bowler Sohail Tanvir have reportedly been informed that they would be kept as reserves as the team continues to grapple with injuries ahead of the World Cup.
The decision has reportedly been taken after consulting the chief selector Moin Khan and the team management in New Zealand.
A PCB official said that Malik, Azhar and Tanvir had been told to be on standby so that if some players had fitness issues in World Cup, the team management wanted to be sure they could get quick replacements if required, the Dawn reported.
Sohaib Maqsood, Ehsan Adil and Wahab Riaz had been grappling with their respective fitness issues and had been monitored closely.
The official added that the tour selection committee had given its consent for these players but would let the board know about the final two names when required.