Pakistan are likely to play in a tri-series in India with Australia as the third team later this year, a top Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said on Saturday.

Pakistan's availability, however, would be known after the International Cricket Council makes a decision on the status of Zimbabwe, who are scheduled to visit Pakistan during the same time as the Indian tri-series -- before the ICC [Images] Champions Trophy in October-November.

PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan disclosed the information while speaking to reporters in Lahore [Images].

Pakistan would be returning from a three-and-a-half month tour of England [Images] on September 12 while the ICC Champions Trophy will start in India from October 7.

After the England tour and before the Champions Trophy, Pakistan are to host Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe are facing serious cricket crisis and in the latest development, the government has taken over the establishment after all the leading Zimbabwe cricketers, including Tatenda Taibu, retired from the game.

Nevertheless, Shaharyar said if Pakistan couldn't participate in the event, a third team would be invited.

The tri-series between Pakistan, India and Australia is expected to generate more than 50-million-dollars.