Pakistan likely to tour India in 2005

Pakistan's cricketers are expected to tour India next year, subject to approval from the Indian government. Pakistan last played a Test series in India in 1999, and a visit in 2005 is likely after India played three Tests and five one-day internationals in Pakistan in March and April.

"There is a possibility of Pakistan's visit coming about next year, but nothing is confirmed yet," said SK Nair, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. "We have received the request but we have to work out a lot of details. The decision would also depend on the government's approval."

After Australia declined to play in a three-nation one-day tournament later this year - also featuring South Africa - it was also suggested that Pakistan and India might play a six-match ODI series on a home-and-away basis. But so far, no decision has been taken.

For the moment, the BCCI is busy putting the finishing touches on the graded payments system for the players, which should be in place before India embark on the 2004-05 season. "The discussion [with the players] is over and the final document is being prepared," said Nair. "But there are other issues like selecting the players to be contracted, and grading them in three levels, that is still to be sorted out. We are at the fag end of the process and hope to have the system in place before the start of the new season."

The BCCI have yet to confirm reports that South Africa's tour of India later this year will consist only of seven ODIs, and no Test matches. South Africa remain the only side to have beaten India in a home Test series since 1987.