Pakistan pace bowler Shabbir Ahmed will seek specialist help in South Africa for the knee injury that ruled him out of the ICC Champions Trophy, the Pakistan team manager said on Tuesday.

Shabbir returned home from England on Monday after being replaced by all rounder Azhar Mahmood in the Champions Trophy squad.

"Initial scans have shown damaged ligaments in his knee but we want to be sure it is nothing more serious because he is one of our best bowlers," said Haroon Rasheed.

"For the moment he has been advised complete rest for six weeks but we want him fit for the Australian tour in December, which is why we are getting a second opinion about his injury."

Shabbir joins fellow pace bowler Umar Gul on the sidelines.

Gul, who has not played since April, was diagnosed with three stress fractures in his back and been advised to rest for a minimum of six months.