(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan-West Indies Cricket Tour Faces Uncertainty Over Format Disagreement
The upcoming Pakistan tour of the West Indies is facing uncertainty after Cricket West Indies (CWI) reportedly declined a proposal from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to revise the structure of the series. While the original schedule includes three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals, the series may now be reduced to just the T20Is if no compromise is reached.
⚖️ PCB Proposes More T20s, CWI Holds Firm on ODIs
According to reports, the PCB approached CWI with a formal request to replace the ODIs with additional T20 matches, aiming to fine-tune its squad for upcoming T20 tournaments, including the 2025 Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup next year. However, CWI maintained its preference to go ahead with the original ODI schedule.
The matter was discussed in detail at a recent meeting between the two boards held in Singapore, but no agreement was reached.
🎯 CWI’s ODI Focus
CWI’s insistence on retaining the ODI series is reportedly linked to its focus on improving the team’s international ODI ranking—a key factor in securing direct qualification for the ODI World Cup. The West Indies are looking to play more 50-over matches to boost their position in global standings.
🚨 Series Could Be Shortened
If the deadlock continues, the series may be limited to just three T20 Internationals, with the ODI leg likely to be canceled unless a resolution is found in the coming days. Neither board has made an official announcement regarding the final schedule.
🏏 Current Status
The Pakistan national team is currently on a T20I tour of Bangladesh and is expected to travel to the USA before heading to the West Indies. Whether the ODIs will be included remains uncertain, depending on the outcome of ongoing discussions.
🤝 Relations Remain Cordial
While the scheduling conflict highlights the challenges of managing international cricket in a crowded global calendar, both the PCB and CWI reportedly continue to maintain positive working relations.
Further updates on the tour’s status are expected soon.
