Azhar Mahmood flies to South Africa on Monday as the latest reinforcement for Pakistan's injury-ravaged squad.Mahmood, who played the last of his 139 one-day internationals in Australia in February 2005, could play in the second one-day match at Durban on 7 February.
"The team management has asked for a replacement for injured paceman Shabbir Ahmed," said selector Iqbal Qasim.
Shabbir, who hurt his groin, follows bowlers Shoaib Akhtar (hamstring) and Umar Gul (ankle) home with injury.
South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the five-match one-day series on Sunday with a 164-run victory at Centurion.
All-rounder Mahmood, 31, has 122 wickets at an average of 38.86 from 139 one-day internationals and has been in prime domestic form with 34 wickets in the past four matches.
Last month he told BBC Sport of his frustration at being left out of the 30-man World Cup probables list.
At the time, selector Wasim Bari said Pakistan wanted to use younger players but Mahmood could still be included in the final 15-man squad when it is named next week.
"I am very happy and was hoping that I would be recalled," Mahmood said.
"I have not given up hopes of playing in the World Cup and will do my best to give a performance which earns me a place in the squad."
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