Tendulkar played a Test match in Pakistan in 1989

India are set to tour Pakistan in March 2004 - their first Test series there for 15 years.

The two cricketing countries severed ties in December 2001 following a terrorist bombing on the Indian parliament building.

Ganguly said: "I am quite looking forward to it, it's going to be a big occasion"

His team-mate Sachin Tendulkar is the only current Indian cricketer to have played a Test match in Pakistan.

He made his international debut during India's last Test series in Pakistan in 1989.

Ganguly added: "We have met Pakistan at neutral venues before, but playing a Test match in Pakistan will be a great experience."

Why keep a Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar battle away from all these fans? PCB's Ramiz Raja News story: India to tour Pakistan

The Indian government banned bilateral cricket matches with Pakistan after the 2000 Asia Cup due to political tensions, but allowed the teams to play in multi-nation events like the World Cup.

The chief executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Ramiz Raja, told BBC Asian Network the announcement had been welcomed in Pakistan.

He said: "The pace has been set, we've also given the BCCI a preliminary itinerary of the number of matches India will play in Pakistan. Right now it's a three-Test match series, including seven one-day internationals as well.

"It's been welcomed here in Pakistan. I'm sure it's been welcomed in India.

"Both teams have got tremendous national instinctive talent that will be on display.

"I've always maintained, why keep a Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar battle away from all these fans who have been longing to have an India and Pakistan series either in India or Pakistan."