The West Indies cricket team has arrived in Pakistan for a historic two-match Test series after an 18-year gap. This tour, marking their return for the longer format since 2006, is a significant milestone for cricket in Pakistan. The series holds immense importance as Pakistan looks to host one of its most anticipated international cricket events.
Warm-Up Match and Preparations
The West Indies team landed in Islamabad on January 6, 2025, via a flight from Dubai. To prepare for the upcoming series, the visitors will play a three-day practice match against the Pakistan Shaheens starting January 10. Both teams will assemble in Islamabad, with training sessions scheduled in the days leading up to the match.
The Pakistan team begins their practice at Islamabad Club on January 7. Meanwhile, the West Indies players will engage in rigorous training sessions on January 8 and 9, ensuring they are fully prepared for the challenging conditions ahead.
Significance of the Tour
This tour is monumental for cricket in Pakistan as it ends an 18-year Test cricket drought between the two teams on Pakistani soil. While the West Indies have visited Pakistan three times since 2018 for limited-overs games, this is their first longer-format series in nearly two decades.
The head-to-head record between these two cricketing nations reveals a fiercely competitive rivalry. Of the 54 Tests played, Pakistan leads with 21 wins, while the West Indies have secured 18 victories. Fifteen matches ended in draws. The last Test series between the two teams took place in 2021 in the Caribbean, ending in a 1-1 draw.
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Squads Announced
The West Indies squad, led by captain Kraigg Brathwaite, comprises players like Alick Athanaze, Joshua Da Silva, and Kemar Roach, among others. On the other hand, the Pakistan Shaheens, captained by Imam-ul-Haq, include young talents such as Mohammad Huraira, Rohail Nazir, and Hussain Talat.
Schedule for the Series
The three-day warm-up match between Pakistan Shaheens and the West Indies will follow these timings:
- January 10: Toss at 9:00 AM, with play starting at 9:30 AM and ending at 4:50 PM.
- January 11-12: Sessions will run from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
The two-match Test series will take place at Multan Cricket Stadium:
- First Test: January 17-21
- Second Test: January 25-29
Anticipation for the Series
The return of the West Indies for Test cricket symbolizes a revival of the historic rivalry between the two nations. Fans are eagerly anticipating high-quality cricket, as both teams showcase a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers.
This series is more than just cricket; it reflects Pakistan’s growing success in reviving international cricket on its soil, paving the way for more historic tours in the future.
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