The 26-year-old said the packed international calendar added to his decision to break from the Test arena.

He is set to sit out four Tests against England this summer as well as series with Zimbabwe, India and South Africa.

"We feel it was emotional as he's been playing regularly for a year so we hope he realises his mistake," the PCB said.

It is thought that Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer tried unsuccessfully to convince Afridi to continue in Tests during the matches against India in Abu Dhabi.

Following the Champions Trophy in India later this year, Pakistan face home series against Zimbabwe and West Indies, and a tour of South Africa in February next year which precedes the World Cup.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan is keen to resolve the situation with Afridi, who is contracted to play both Test and one-day cricket.

"We can't have players picking and choosing when and what they want to play," he said.

"But if he wants to skip Test matches then we have to see what sort of contract he should be given."

Afridi has only played 24 Tests since his debut in 1998 but has 224 one-day caps.

The World Cup takes place in the West Indies in March and April 2007.