The general schedule for the upcoming tour of the West Indies cricket team in Pakistan has been announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). West Indies will tour Pakistan in January for a two-match Test series starting on January 17.
The first Test of the series will be played between January 17-21. On the other hand, the second Trial will take place between January 25-29. Both the matches are part of the World Test Championship cycle and will be played in Multan.
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PCB reveals the schedule of West Indies' upcoming tour to Pakistan
The West Indies team will depart from the Caribbean islands on January 2 and reach Islamabad on January 6. After that, they will train for a few days before taking on Pakistan Shaheens in a warm-up game from January 10-12 at Rawalpindi Cricket. Stadium.
The team will then travel to Multan for the first Test of the series. Both tests of the series will be played on the same field. The pitch is likely to help the spinners after Pakistan's recent record at home. Multan recently hosted two Tests against England.
The first Test was played in a batting paradise, while the bowling assisted the pitch in the second Test. Interestingly, both matches were played on the same surface to help the bowling and allow Pakistan's spinners to come into play.
Earlier, the first Test was scheduled to be held in Karachi. However, the ongoing construction work at the stadium due to the upcoming Champions Trophy has prompted the PCB to reschedule the match. As a result, both the Tests will be held in Multan, which will also serve for logistical purposes.
West Indies historic tour of Pakistan
This will be West Indies' first Test tour to Pakistan in 19 years. They last played a Test match in Pakistan in November 2006 when they played a three-match Test series in the country. However, they played Pakistan in an away series in the UAE in October 2016.
At that time, Pakistan won the three-match Test series 2-1. The Men in Green won the first two Tests, but the West Indies ended the series well by winning the third Test match. Since then, Pakistan have toured the West Indies twice.
The series will be important for Pakistan considering their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. While West Indies are already out of the race, Pakistan have little chance of making it to the summit clash if things go their way.
But the Men in Green must first win both Tests in South Africa to keep their chances alive. Pakistan are currently seventh in the WTC points table, while West Indies are at the bottom.
West Indies tour schedule of Pakistan
January 10-12 – Three-day revival match with Pakistan Shaheens, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
January 17-21 – First Test, Multan Cricket Stadium
January 25-29 – Second Test, Multan Cricket Stadium