England are preparing themselves for Pakistan's withdrawal from Monday's Twenty20 international and have started to approach players to form a World XI as alternative opponents.
Monday's match was supposed to start the one-day series against Pakistan, but the tourists' participation is still in doubt while they wait for the International Cricket Council to name a date for the disciplinary hearing with captain Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Pakistan have not ruled out playing on Monday, but after talks between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the England and Wales Cricket Board it was decided to put a contingency plan together to ensure a match took place.
"We're pleased that discussions strongly indicate the England v Pakistan Twenty20 international and the subsequent NatWest Series will proceed as planned," said ECB chief executive David Collier.
"However, given the current uncertainty concerning the scheduling of the Code of Conduct hearing and imminence of the Twenty20 international, it is prudent to examine all options to provide spectators with guaranteed play on Monday.
"This has been achieved and while ECB and PCB hope that this contingency plan will not be required, the International XI remains on standby."
Shahriyar Khan, the PCB chairman, has held meetings with David Morgan, his counterpart at the ECB, and has reassured England of Pakistan's desire to continue with the Twenty20 match and the five-match one-day series which follows.
But Shahriyar admitted that until a new date can be set for the ICC commission hearing which was originally scheduled for today, Pakistan remain concerned and may decide to withdraw from the remainder of the tour.
Collier added: "The ECB can also confirm that it has been in discussion with ICC and other full member boards to provide a further contingency plan for the NatWest series.
"These discussions are well advanced, but it is hoped that the Pakistan team will be able to fulfil its commitments."
The Pro40 match scheduled for Monday between Nottinghamshire and Glamorgan has also been postponed to allow major players from those clubs, notably New Zealand's Stephen Fleming, to play in the Twenty20.
Meanwhile, Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer admitted last night that the furore which has followed the unprecedented abandonment of the Oval Test and placed the remainder of their tour in doubt left him at one stage considering a resignation.
"Throughout this whole affair I have remained behind the Pakistan team and captain," said the former England and Warwickshire batsman. "I did contemplate resigning. I am 58 and at an age where I don't need these things in my career and my life.
"I was very 'down' at the time. But I feel it is important now to stay strong."
