West Indies Arrive in Pakistan for First Test Series in 18 Years
The West Indies cricket team has arrived in Pakistan for their first Test series in nearly two decades. Touching down in Islamabad on Monday via flight EK 612 from Dubai, the team is set to play a two-match Test series at the Multan Cricket Stadium later this month.
To prepare for the series, the visitors will face Pakistan Shaheens in a three-day practice match starting January 10. Both squads will begin training on January 6, with the Pakistan team holding sessions at the Islamabad Club. The West Indies players will undergo intensive practice sessions on January 8 and 9.
This tour marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s cricket history, as it’s the West Indies’ first longer-format series in the country since their 2006 visit. Although the Caribbean side has toured Pakistan three times for limited-overs matches since 2018, this Test series symbolizes a renewed confidence in Pakistan as a host for international cricket.
Head-to-Head Records and Recent Encounters
Pakistan and the West Indies have faced each other in 54 Test matches. Pakistan leads the head-to-head record with 21 victories, while the West Indies have secured 18 wins, and 15 matches ended in draws. Their most recent Test series in 2021, held in the Caribbean, concluded in a 1-1 draw.
Squads for the Tour
West Indies:
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:
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
Warm-Up Match Schedule (Pakistan Shaheens vs West Indies):
Day 1 (January 10):
- Toss: 9:00 AM
- 1st session: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
- Lunch: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
- 2nd session: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Tea: 3:00 PM to 3:20 PM
- 3rd session: 3:20 PM to 4:50 PM
Day 2 & 3 (January 11-12):
- 1st session: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
- Lunch: 12:00 PM to 12:40 PM
- 2nd session: 12:40 PM to 2:40 PM
- Tea: 2:40 PM to 3:00 PM
- 3rd session: 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Test Series Schedule:
- First Test: January 17-21, Multan Cricket Stadium
- Second Test: January 25-29, Multan Cricket Stadium
This series is not only a historic event but also an opportunity for both teams to showcase their talent in the longer format of the game.
