Darren Gough has been told he may not get his England place back after swapping his boots for dancing shoes.
Gough and his dance partner Lilia Kopylova
The 35-year-old pace bowler has been signed up to take part in the BBC television show Strictly Come Dancing.
Gough was overlooked for the one-day series in Pakistan because he wanted to spend more time with his family.
But England chief David Graveney told the BBC Sport website: "He has to realise if he gives up his place it might not be easy to get it back."
England named their squad for the tour of Pakistan last week, with Durham's 20-year-old quick Liam Plunkett elevated to the full squad alongside Hampshire's Chris Tremlett in Gough's absence.
Gough hopes to play for England in the 2007 World Cup but requested this winter off so he could spend time with his family.
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing starts on BBC One on Saturday, 15 October.
Gough will be joined by Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson, snooker legend Dennis Taylor as well as Gloria Hunniford, Zoe Ball and other television stars.
The celebrity contestants will have to learn new dance routines each week and then survive a public vote.
Gough, who will attempt to switch from king of seam to dancing queen, is being partnered by Lilia Kopylova.
Chairman of selectors Graveney did not know of Gough's intentions until he was alerted on Sunday.
He added: "I didn't know anything about it until yesterday. It's his choice.
"Darren decided he didn't want to be considered for the tour and we respected that.
"We will now see how other people do in his place and it is a great opportunity for them.
"As for his dancing, I've no idea what he's like."
Gough is not contracted to England any more so could not be prevented from taking part in the BBC show.
It is understood the BBC wanted one or more of England's Ashes heroes to be considered for the show but the England and Wales Cricket Board rejected the request because of the squad's playing commitments.
Gough becomes the second cricketer to appear in a reality show after former England spinner Phil Tufnell took part in - and won - I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
The Yorkshire-born player has played 58 Tests and 157 one-day internationals for England, taking 229 Test wickets and 235 in ODIs.
He retired from Test cricket in 2003 and has had a series of knee operations but returned to one-day cricket for England in 2004.