MELBOURNE, Dec 27: England are unlikely to accept an invitation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take part in a triangular one-day cricket series next April.

The PCB is drawing up contingency plans in case India refuse to undertake a scheduled tour at that time because of ongoing political problems between the two countries.

They have asked the England and Wales Cricket Board and officials in Sri Lanka whether their teams would be available.

But England coach Duncan Fletcher believes his players will need a break following the World Cup, which takes place in February and March.

“We have got to play more one-day cricket but that doesn’t mean to say that every time we have a break, we need to fill it.

“We have to make sure we put a plan of action together which will enable us to play more one-day cricket at suitable times.”

Pakistan have not hosted a series since a bomb blast forced New Zealand to cut short a tour in May last.

But both South Africa and Bangladesh have agreed to tour late next year.

Following the World Cup final on 23 March, England’s next international fixture is the first Test of the domestic season, against Zimbabwe on 22 May.

Pakistan are due to play a three-match one-day NatWest Challenge series in England in late June, directly before the NatWest Series, involving England, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

England last visited Pakistan in 2000, losing the one-day series 2-1, but winning a three-Test series 1-0.—PPI