PCB Awaits Decision on Series Format Change

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has completed its internal deliberations regarding the selection of white-ball squads for the forthcoming tours, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Insiders reveal that the PCB is presently awaiting a response from Cricket West Indies (CWI) concerning a proposed modification to the scheduled bilateral series.

The PCB has put forth a suggestion to convert the initially planned three-match One Day International (ODI) series into a series of Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

Sources further indicate that should the host board consent to this proposal, a unified T20 squad will be declared for both the Bangladesh and West Indies series.

The PCB is optimistic that CWI will favorably consider the request, as this alteration aligns with preparations for the forthcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, set to be contested in the T20 format, as well as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

An announcement regarding the squad is anticipated shortly after receiving formal confirmation from the West Indies board.

Sources suggest that the composition of the T20 squad is likely to remain largely consistent, with the potential inclusion of left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem.

However, the participation of seasoned players such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi in the upcoming series remains uncertain.

The PCB’s strategic team is reportedly hopeful that these pivotal players will stage significant comebacks, referencing historical instances of prominent cricketers successfully returning to the national team.

Players have been informed that selection opportunities remain accessible, and impressive performances in domestic and franchise cricket will bolster their prospects of being recalled.

Moreover, cricketers have been briefed on the evolving nature of the selection process, which places emphasis on nurturing emerging talent to meet contemporary cricketing demands.

Pakistan is currently scheduled to tour the West Indies in July and August for a white-ball series, encompassing three T20Is and three ODIs.

The T20I segment is slated to commence on July 31, with subsequent matches scheduled for August 2 and 3, respectively.

The ODI series is provisionally set to take place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, with matches on August 8, 10, and 12.

Nevertheless, discussions between the two governing bodies are still in preliminary stages, and the series itinerary may be subject to change if the proposal to substitute the ODIs with T20Is gains approval.