Saeed Anwar hopes for triple century in India

``I have never played a Test match against India but now I desperately want to and score a triple hundred in that,'' he told AFP, adding, ``scoring against India gives you a different taste.'' Saeed hit a world record one-day score of 194 against India at Chennai in 1997.

An official announcement on Pakistan's first tour since 1987 has not been made pending a report from its envoy on security arrangements in India following threats from Hindu militants of sabotaging the series.

However, optimism among cricket fans grew after the Pakistani High Commissioner to India Ashraf Jehangir Qazi gave a green signal on Friday.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Khalid Mahmood Thursday said the fate of the tour will be decided by the Government of Pakistan.

Government officials were not immediately available for comment. The Pakistan team was scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on January 21 to play two Tests and take part in a triangular one-day series also featuring Sri-Lanka.

Saeed said he was thirsting to create more records against India. ``If I can't break Brian Lara's 375, I will certainly like to score 300 against them,'' he said.

Saeed will be a key member of Pakistan's batting line-up in the absence of axed Aamir Sohail. The team includes two inexperienced openers Wajahatullah Qureshi and Mohammad Naveed.

``Pressure is always there when you are playing against India and there will be extra pressure when you are playing against India in India,'' Pakistan's most prolific opener said.

Saeed agreed security fears would add to pressures. He said Pakistan had prepared extensively for the tour. ``I think the team stands a good chance to win in India,'' he said.

Middle-order batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq, who had a lean patch in the home season against Australia and Zimbabwe, vowed to return to form in India.

``I will definitely make runs although I know litle about Indian conditions,'' the burly batsman said. He said he expected perfect batting wickets in India.

``I believe they will not take the risk of making fast or even turning wickets as we are superior in bowling while thier main strength is in batting,'' Inzamam said.

Vice captain designate Moin Khan said the teams were evenly balanced and the series would be a tough one.

``I am saying this on the basis of the Indian performance in 1998. They won the series against Australia and their batsmen Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammad Azharuddin and Raul Dravid are all among the runs this season,'' Moin said=2E

Moin said Pakistan's recent home losses against Australia and Zimbabwe are now a history. ``We have overcome the lean patch,'' he said.

He agreed security fears amid threats from Hindu militants will add to the pressures of the players.

``Yes, the security fears will definitely put a lot of pressure on us but still we will have to cope with them,'' Moin said.