Intikhab Alam says the PCB should shift the upcoming home series to India if MS Dhoni’s men cancel the tour on security grounds.

“Obviously that is a more viable option if India dont come for some reason. Because then we can have India touring Pakistan the year after,” Alam said when asked about the speculation that the series might be shifted to India as security concerns mount.

“One has to be realistic and in sync with the prevailing conditions and the bottom line is we need to continue playing international cricket. I know 2009 is very important for us as Sri Lanka and Australia are also due to tour after India and we need to have these series,” he added.

Alam said his wards, starved of Tests, are preparing hard for the Indian challenge and it would be a big blow to the country’s cricket if the series doesn’t materialise.

“Test cricket is very different from one-dayers and Twenty20 cricket. It requires a lot more hardwork, concentration and determination. And since we have not played any Test cricket this year the players are also concerned,” he said.

Pakistan has gone without a Test this year and they managed to play just 21 One-day Internationals clinching 18 but dozen of those wins came against weaker teams.

Intikhab, who replaced Australian Geoff Lawson as coach, said he would be talking to the board to select a strong Rest of the Pakistan XI that could play couple of five-day games against the national team ahead of the India series.