Former captain Imran Khan has agreed to take time away from politics to help Pakistan prepare for next month's Test series against arch-rivals India.

"Imran has confirmed his availability to hold special training sessions with the fast bowlers and discuss the coming series with the team," chief selector Wasim Bari told Reuters on Wednesday.

"He has agreed to be in Lahore for a week."

Bari added that pacemen Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami would particularly benefit from Imran's experience.

Imran has already described Shoaib as a potential match-winner against India but is concerned about the form of the 22-year-old Sami, who struggled on the recent tour of New Zealand.

India are due to tour Pakistan in March and April to play three Tests and five one-day internationals. It will be their first full tour of Pakistan in 14 years.

Imran, acknowledged as one of the greatest all rounders in the game's history, led Pakistan to success at the 1992 World Cup. He also captained his side to victory in the home and away series against India in 1983 and 1987.

One of the first fast bowlers to perfect the reverse-swinging yorker, he ended his Test career with 362 wickets and 3,807 runs at an average of 37.69.

Since retiring from the game in 1992, the 51-year-old Imran has formed his own mainstream political party and is a member of Pakistan's parliament.