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An International Cricket Council (ICC) World XI is set to be the first overseas side to play in Pakistan since the terrorist attack on Sri Lanka's team bus in Lahore.

No side has toured the country since that incident in March 2009 on security grounds, but England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke revealed the plans to send an ICC team in order to help out the Asian country, which has suffered financially as a consequence of being unable to host any top-level cricket in almost 18 months.

Clarke told the Wisden Cricketer: "World cricket must keep giving Pakistan cricket the chance to fund itself and move forward, to do something for the spectator in Pakistan.

"The security challenges are enormous but we cannot allow the terrorists to win. They must lose by an innings – repeatedly.

"So world cricket must go back and play in Pakistan. I do not think it will be possible for individual national teams to tour yet.

"But with determination and courage an ICC World XI in due course will go and play against Pakistan in her great cities and there will be a marvellous atmosphere.

"Cricket cannot abandon a nation with such a magnificent history in the game, such wonderful players and such enthusiastic and knowledgeable supporters. It will be an historic moment when international cricket resumes in Pakistan and the first ICC team walks out."

Pakistan has staged 'home' Tests against Australia in England this summer, and Clarke added that there were plans in place for similar matches to be played in England in 2011 and 2012.

"The atmosphere, the passionate support and, of course, the tremendous cricket played by the Pakistan team made it a compelling experience,” he continued. “The Pakistan Cricket Board's economic needs make it imperative.”

Clarke estimated that the PCB's income has dropped from £27m to £10m as a result of being unable to host Test matches and one-day and Twenty20 internationals.