KARACHI, Nov 25: Fast bowler Umar Gul has urged India to tour Pakistan, saying that the home series was very crucial for his team.

“We are frustrated at being not able to play any Test matches this year,” said the key Pakistani pacer. Pakistan could not play a single Test in 2008 following the refusal of Australia to tour the country in March-April this year because of security concerns.

There are indications that India might also decide to stay away from Pakistan, but Umar said he expects Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team will come for the January-February series that includes three Tests, five One-day Internationals and a Twenty20 International.

“India had recently beaten Australia and is also playing well in the ongoing series against England,” Umar said on Tuesday.

“India’s on a high and a good time for Dhoni and his men to come to Pakistan and play in a series that is being eagerly awaited by millions of fans on both sides of the border.”

Umar said that Pakistan will be ready for India provided all its key bowlers are fully fit for the series. “Pakistan-India matches are always competitive and I am sure that it is going to be a great series.”

The lanky pacer said India came here for the Asia Cup this summer when the security situation was even worse.

“Things are better now than they were six months ago and I am sure the series will take place smoothly,” he added.—Agencies