West Indies arrive in Pakistan for Test Series after 18 years

Web Desk | 10 months ago

ISLAMABAD – After an 18-year hiatus, the West Indies cricket team has arrived in Pakistan for a historic two-match Test series, marking the first Test series between the two teams since 2006. The squad touched down in Islamabad on Monday on flight EK 612 from Dubai ahead of their upcoming matches at Multan Cricket Stadium later this month.

To prepare for the series, the West Indies will face the Pakistan Shaheens in a three-day practice match starting January 10. This warm-up game will provide the Caribbean team an opportunity to fine-tune their skills and adapt to the local conditions before the two Test matches.

The teams will come together for their first training sessions in Islamabad on January 6, with Pakistan’s squad set to begin their preparations on January 7 at the Islamabad Club. The West Indies will hold intensive training sessions on January 8 and 9 to ensure they are match-ready for the Test series.

This tour is a significant milestone for cricket in Pakistan, as it marks the West Indies’ first longer-format series in the country in almost two decades. Although the West Indies have visited Pakistan for limited-overs matches since 2018, this will be the first Test series in nearly 20 years, making it a highly anticipated event for cricket fans in the region.

The two teams have a long history of competitive Test cricket, with Pakistan currently leading the head-to-head record. The two sides have met 54 times in Test matches, with Pakistan securing 21 victories, while the West Indies have won 18 times. The remaining 15 encounters ended in draws. The last Test series between the two nations took place in the Caribbean in 2021, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

⇒West Indies Squad:

Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip,
Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican

⇒Pakistan Shaheens Squad:

Imam-ul-Haq (captain), Ahmed Bashir, Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Ali Zaryab, Haseebullah, Hussain Talat, Kashif Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rameez Jr, Mohammad Suleman, Musa Khan
Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir, Saad Khan

⇒Practice Match Schedule:

♦January 10—Day 1:

Toss: 9:00 AM
1st session: 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
Lunch: 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
2nd session: 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
Tea: 3:00 PM–3:20 PM
3rd session: 3:20 PM–4:50 PM

♦January 11 & 12—Day 2 & 3:

1st session: 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
Lunch: 12:00 PM–12:40 PM
2nd session: 12:40 PM–2:40 PM
Tea: 2:40 PM–3:00 PM
3rd session: 3:00 PM–4:30 PM

⇒Test Series Schedule:

First Test: January 17-21, Multan Cricket Stadium
Second Test: January 25-29, Multan Cricket Stadium