Former fast bowling ace Imran Khan [Images] says Pakistan's fast bowlers hold the key in the upcoming series against India next month.

"Pakistan must depend on pace, because it's pace which can earn Pakistan a win in India, not spin.

"The world's best spinner Shane Warne [Images] of Australia has been a failure in India," Khan told Agence France [Images] Presse.

Pakistan is scheduled to play three Tests and five one-day games in India on their first tour in six years, starting February 25.

Khan, who led Pakistan to their first series victory in India in 1987, said Indian batting is more adept against spinners.

"India has a strong batting line-up and they are very strong against spin. So, as in our last series in India in 1999, we must depend on fast bowlers.

"I would like to see Shoaib Akhtar [Images] and Mohammad Sami [Images] firing on all cylinders," he said.

Pakistan is likely to announce the squad on February 18, but a big question mark hangs over Akhtar's fitness and the form of Sami.

Sami had to return home after the second Test in Australia in early January and has since regained fitness, but not form.

Akhtar is still recuperating from a hamstring injury that forced him to return home from Australia late last month. He also faces disciplinary action on charges of going to discos while on tour.

A final decision on Akhtar's disciplinary hearing is likely next week.

Khan said Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq had to inspire the team and make it mentally strong.

"I criticised Inzamam for not playing the two Tests in Australia, because for me it was strange for a batsman to sit out and now he needs to inspire the team from the front."

Khan said Pakistan must learn from their mistakes during Australia's tour last month, where they lost all three Tests and both finals of this month's tri-series one-day tournament.

"I hope the Pakistan team is mature enough and will learn from their mistakes on the Australian tour," said Khan, who is now a member of parliament in Pakistan.