Disgruntled Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq on Saturday reversed his decision to retire from international cricket, saying he will fight to get his place in the national team back.

"I reconsidered the decision after consultation with my club people, especially my coach Azhar Zaidi, who all advised me to continue playing. So I am back and available for Pakistan," Razzaq told AFP.

The 26-year-old announced his retirement in August after being excluded from the Pakistan team for the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup held in South Africa.

"I took the decision in the heat of the moment and got a lot of calls from fans and supporters who asked me to change the decision," said Razzaq.

Selectors at the time said Razzaq and senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf were being rested -- a statement Razzaq said he believed was a pretext for him being dropped from the side.

"I was hurt when they dropped me, and on form and fitness and on my record as an international player, I deserved the benefit of being treated as a senior player," said Razzaq.

Razzaq missed the 50-over World Cup in the Caribbean earlier this year because of a knee injury.

He has scored 1,146 runs and took 100 wickets in 46 Tests. He made 4,465 runs and took 240 wickets in 231 one-day internationals in a career which began in 1995.

Razzaq's lacklustre performance in his last 15 one-day internationals -- scoring just 173 at 10.73 with 12 wickets at 39 runs each -- led to his axing from the team.

Razzaq said he will play in domestic matches to win back his place in the national team.

"I am playing first class cricket for Agricultural Development Bank and do my best to win back my place," said Razzaq, who also signed for rebel Indian league two months ago.

Razzaq said he was not sure of playing for the ICL.

"I will wait and see. I have signed for them but I will take a decision in the next few days," said Razzaq about playing in the league unrecognised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI launched its own league to counter the ICL, bankrolled by India's largest media group.

Razzaq will have to wait until next month to get a place in Pakistan's Test team for India. Pakistan Friday announced a 16-man one-day squad to play five one-day games against India, the first match starting November 5.

Chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed said Razzaq will have to prove fitness and form. "Let him play first class cricket and the doors are open for everyone who does well at the domestic level," said Ahmed.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)