Potential Revisions to Pakistan-West Indies Bilateral Series

LAHORE: Discussions are underway between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) to modify their scheduled bilateral series. Sources suggest a proposal to substitute the One Day International (ODI) segment with additional Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

Originally, the itinerary included three T20Is in the United States, followed by three ODIs in the Caribbean during July and August.

However, with the increasing density of the international T20 calendar and preparations for significant tournaments, the PCB has proposed converting the ODI matches into additional T20Is.

A source familiar with the situation stated, “The PCB is hopeful that West Indies will concur with the proposed modification.”

If the proposal gains approval, the T20I series could be extended to potentially five or six matches, with the initial match provisionally slated for July 31.

An official announcement is anticipated shortly as discussions progress positively between the two governing bodies.

The alteration aims to assist both squads in their preparations for forthcoming major events, notably the 2025 ACC Men’s Asia Cup, to be contested in the T20 format, and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

According to the current timetable, the three T20Is are planned for July 31, August 2, and August 3. The ODI series is scheduled for August 8, 10, and 12 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, contingent upon the original plan.

Pakistan is also preparing for a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh in July. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is expected to formally announce the schedule in the coming week.

Sources indicate that the BCB has already communicated a proposed schedule to the PCB, featuring matches on July 20, 22, and 24, all set to take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.

This series between Bangladesh and Pakistan is separate from the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) and was finalized following discussions between PCB and BCB representatives during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 planning, which Pakistan and the UAE will co-host.

It’s worth noting that Bangladesh, led by Litton Das, recently toured Pakistan for a T20I series, which the home side won 3-0.

That series was the first assignment for Pakistan’s new white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, and T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha.