Karachi's National Staidum has staged 36 Test matches

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said Indian officials were concerned about security in the two cities, but were willing to play one-day games there.

"Karachi and Peshawar are major venues, but we also have to keep in mind Indian sensitivities.

"One thing is for certain though - we will have matches in both places."

The provisional schedule drawn up by the PCB proposed staging the second Test in Peshawar from 19-23 March, with the third Test starting in Karachi four days later.

It is unlikely, however, that the board will refuse to compromise and put the series at risk.

"I have had a discussion with the Indian board president, Jagmohan Dalmiya, and has has asked us to see what can be done to avoid a long stay for the Indian team in both cities," said Khan.

It is a sensitive issue Shaharyar Khan

"The itinerary will be finalised this week in consultation with the Indian board."

Khan's statement appears to contradic comments reportedly made on Monday by Ratnakar Shetty, a member of the three-man Indian delegation which inspected security arrangements at all the major venues for the tour.

He was quoted as saying they had not asked for any venue changes, but added: "The comfort and security of players will be the uppermost consideration when the itinerary is finalised."

Karachi was the scene of an explosion in 2002 which prompted New Zealand to cancel a Test match and abandon their tour and there have been further bombings in recent weeks.

South Africa refused to play at the National Stadium last year and the game was rescheduled for Faisalabad.

Peshawar, meanwhile, has seen a number of arrests of suspected members of Al-Qaeda in the past two years.

But the Bangladesh cricket team visited both cities during their 2003 tour and the matches passed off without incident.