Lawson remains upbeat after Pakistan's loss to South Africa

Lawson will experience the intense rivalry for the first time next month, having been appointed by the Pakistan Cricket Board in July.

The two sides will meet in five one-day internationals, the first on 5 November in Guwahati, and three Tests.

"Having toured India a number of times, I know people follow an India-Pakistan match with extreme passion," he said.

"At times it is a little bit more than the sport - bigger than the Ashes - so I'm looking forward to it."

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Despite his side's recent home defeat by South Africa, he expects it to be a tightly contested series, with both sides having a good mix of youth and experience.

And Pakistan have been given a boost by the news that batsman Mohammad Yousuf will be available after an MRI scan on his knee did not reveal any serious problem.

"India have a balanced squad with a combination of good spinners and fast bowlers and Pakistan match them. I think a good bowling spell, a great innings or a few good catches can make the difference in the one-day series.

"The exciting thing is that new stars are replacing the superstars in both the teams, so all in all it's good progress for both the teams," the Australian said.

The two sides last met in India in 2005, when the Test series was drawn 1-1 and Pakistan won the one-dayers 4-2.

This time the schedule has been reversed, with Pakistan hoping the 50-over format will give them a chance of avenging their recent defeat in the World Twenty20 final in South Africa.

"It has been very busy because when I came we had the Twenty20 followed by the South African series. There was a lot of day-to-day work and other cricket matters to be done.

"Time flies but I have been able to set a good relationship with the team and look forward to the important tour of India. It has, so far, been exciting and adventurous," said Lawson.