Pakistan, West Indies Consider T20I Expansion in Series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) are in preliminary discussions about potentially modifying their scheduled bilateral series in July, sources revealed. The focus is on possibly substituting the One Day Internationals (ODIs) with additional Twenty20 International (T20I) matches.

The original plan involved Pakistan touring the West Indies for a series comprising three T20Is and three ODIs, spanning July and August.

The first T20I is currently set for July 31, with the subsequent matches on August 2 and 3.

Following the T20Is, the two sides are slated to compete in a three-game ODI series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, with matches provisionally scheduled for August 8, 10, and 12.

However, alterations to the series format are being considered. Sources indicate that discussions are underway to replace the ODIs with T20Is, aiming to better prepare for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup, which will be contested in the T20 format, as well as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026.

The motivation behind potentially increasing the number of T20Is is to refine team compositions and strategies in preparation for these major tournaments, according to sources.

Previously, the PCB, in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), had also contemplated reducing a three-match ODI series to incorporate two additional T20Is into their white-ball series. However, the boards ultimately decided to proceed with a three-match T20I series, taking into account regional conditions at the time.

Revised Schedule of West Indies vs. Pakistan (Proposed)
  • July 31, 2025 – First T20I – Broward County, Florida
  • August 2, 2025 – Second T20I – Broward County, Florida
  • August 3, 2025 – Third T20I – Broward County, Florida
  • August 8, 2025 – First ODI – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad
  • August 10, 2025 – Second ODI – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad
  • August 12, 2025 – Third ODI – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad