FAISALABAD, Oct 25: Pakistan has proposed playing three Tests and seven One-day Internationals against India once the two countries recommence sporting ties, an event expected early next year, an official said on Saturday.

“We have proposed three Tests and seven One-day Internationals from Feb 19 to April 8 to the Board of Control for Cricket in India and (we are) now gearing up for the tour,” Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman Samiul Hasan said.

He told reporters the venues would include Karachi and Peshawar, venues South Africa refused to play recently due to security fears.

“A stadium in Quetta is also nearing completion and we have also plans to host a one-day match there,” he said.

Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha on Wednesday offered to revive sporting links with Pakistan and break the long-standing impasse in bilateral cricket between the arch-rivals.

The two countries last played a Test series in 1998-99 after Pakistan crossed the border despite threats from Hindu fundamentalists.

No Indian team has toured Pakistan since a Krish Srikkanth-led team played four Tests there in 1989-90.

Wednesday’s offer raised hopes that Pakistan will finally host India next year.

“We expect that more talks will be held when chiefs of the two boards meet at the sidelines of the ICC (International Cricket Council) executive board meeting in Barbados,” the spokesman said.

The ICC meet will take place in the West Indies on Oct 28 and 29.

PCB chief executive Ramiz Raja earlier this month said Pakistan stands to earn 11 million dollars in 20 days of cricket with India.

The rivals played against each other in the World Cup this year but have not met in a bilateral series since India snapped sporting links following an attack on its parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

An Indian Under-19 team is due to feature in a four-nation tournament in Pakistan along with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka later this month.—AFP