COLOMBO — Sri Lanka's cricket board Tuesday halved a six-match ban imposed on all-rounder Danushka Gunathilaka for misconduct, amid speculation several players may drop out of an upcoming Twenty20 series final in Pakistan.

The board's decision clears Gunathilaka to play in the three-match series starting Oct. 26 in the United Arab Emirates, though the final squad of 15 will not be announced until Friday.

The final will be played on Oct. 29 in Lahore, where the Sri Lankan team bus came under attack from militants in 2009. No top international cricket side has returned to Pakistan since then.

"The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket decided to revise the suspension imposed on Gunathilaka upon consideration of the appeal," Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.

Gunathilaka was suspended for unspecified "misconduct" during Sri Lanka's humiliating home series thrashing by India in which the islanders lost 9-0. His fine — 20 percent of his annual match fees — remains unchanged.

Gunathilaka was dropped from the squad for the ongoing five-match One-Day International series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). His reprieve comes as players express private concerns about the board's decision to play the Twenty20 series final in Lahore.

A source close to the board said skipper Upul Tharanga and Lasith Malinga were likely to pull out of the entire series due to security concerns about the final. The board announced Monday that it would go ahead with the tour and "confirmed its commitment to play the third T20" in Lahore after assessments by government agencies, independent security experts and the International Cricket Council.

Sri Lanka Cricket chief Thilanga Sumathipala would accompany the team, the board added. In August he called for an end to Pakistan's isolation from world cricket.

Frylinck gets call-up to

South Africa T20 squad

All-rounder Robbie Frylinck has been handed a first call-up to South Africa's Twenty20 squad for the two-match series against Bangladesh next week. Faf du Plessis resumes the captaincy after missing the team's last series in England but spinner Imran Tahir and quick bowler Kagiso Rabada have both been rested, cricket South Africa said in Cape Town on Tuesday.

"The selection of Robbie provides another opportunity to explore our depth in the important all-rounder position," said selector Linda Zondi. "Apart from his bowling strengths he has a proven record as a finisher with the bat.

"Imran remains our first-choice spinner in both the limited overs formats but we also need to develop depth in this important area which is why we have given further opportunities to (Tabraiz) Shamsi and (Aaron) Phangiso."

South Africa host the T20 internationals in Bloemfontein on Oct. 26 and Potchefstroom on Oct. 29.

Squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Robbie Frylinck, Beuran Hendricks, David Miller, Mangaliso Mosehle, Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi

Former skipper Taylor back

to strengthen Zimbabwe team

Former captain Brendan Taylor and bowler Kyle Jarvis were both included in the Zimbabwe Test squad for the first time after lengthy absences when a 16-man party was named on Tuesday for the two-Test series at home to the West Indies.

Taylor and Jarvis had opted to play county cricket in England under Kolpak contracts, which meant they could no longer play for Zimbabwe, but have since been convinced to return to the team.

Taylor, 31, has an average of almost 35 in 23 previous tests and brings a wealth of experience to the side. The 28-year-old Jarvis last played Test cricket in early 2013.

Graeme Cremer will continue as captain but the squad has been overhauled after July's tour to Sri Lanka with all-rounders Tendai Chisoro and Solomon Mire and wicketkeeper Nyasha Mayavo all in line for a first cap.

There were also recalls for bowlers Chamu Chibhabha and Michael Chinouya. Both Tests are being played at the Queens Club in Bulawayo. The first test starts on Saturday with the second scheduled for Oct. 29 to Nov. 2.

Squad:

Graeme Cremer (captain), Regis Chakabva, Chamu Chibhabha, Michael Chinouya, Tendai Chisoro, Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Hamilton Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Solomon Mire, Christopher Mpofu, Peter Moor, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams. — Agencies