Senior Pakistan allrounder Shoaib Malik has been given ten days' leave from his team's pre-World Cup trip of England to deal with "personal issues".

Malik will miss Sunday's T20I and the first ODI against England on May 8. He is expected to rejoin the side before the second ODI on May 11. The reason for his unexpected exit has not been revealed by PCB.

"The Pakistan cricket team management has given leave to Shoaib Malik so that he can return home to deal with a personal issue," PCB said. "He is expected to rejoin the team in 10 days' time. The PCB will not be making any further comments and fully expects all concerned to respect Shoaib's privacy."

Malik's selection for the World Cup raised eyebrows, given that he averages 13.6 with the bat in 23 innings in England. This year's World Cup will be his last as he has confirmed he will retire from ODIs after the tournament.

He made a comeback in Pakistan ODI side in a home series against Zimbabwe in 2015 after being dropped for two straight years following the 2013 Champions Trophy. Since his return he has become an integral part of the side.

His career average in 282 games is 35.12 with a strike rate of 81.75, which, since his return, has risen to 44.24 and 93.16 respectively. However, in ten of his last 11 ODI innings, the 37-year-old Malik has been dismissed between 10 and 31. He has struggled to serve as the launchpad Pakistan want at No. 5.

Pakistan won their tour match against Northamptonshire by eight wickets on Monday.