New Delhi: Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are locked in a scheduling dispute over next month’s white-ball tour in the USA and the Caribbean. According to a Cricbuzz report, the PCB wants a change in the Caribbean leg of the series and will explore options if the schedule is not by the CWI.
Both teams are scheduled to play three T20I matches and three ODIs in the US and the Caribbean from August 1 to 12. The PCB has requested to change all three ODI matches into T20Is, and the Pakistan board is reportedly insisting on playing only T20Is.
Meanwhile, CWI is keen to play the ODI matches as scheduled after missing out on the last ODI World Cup in 2023 in India and is looking to play more 50-over games. “The schedule remains as it is, and we continue to engage with the PCB on the matter,” CWI CEO Chris Dehring told Cricbuzz on Wednesday.
The Pakistan Board is preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year and plans to play as many T20Is as possible. PCB COO Sumair Ahmed also talked about this recently while announcing the T20I squad for the upcoming Bangladesh series and revealed that the board is in talks with the CWI and is keen to provide maximum exposure to Pakistan’s T20I side.
As per the original schedule, the three T20Is are scheduled to be played on August 1, 2 and 4 at Lauderhill, Florida, followed by the ODIs in Tarouba, Trinidad, on August 8, 10 and 12.
West Indies announce squad for T20I series vs Australia
After the humiliating loss in the Test series, the West Indies have announced a 16-member squad for the five-match T20I series against Australia, starting on 20 July.
Shai Hope will lead the side, which also features experienced players like Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Rovman Powell. Andre Russell is set to announce his retirement from international cricket and will be a part of the first two T20Is.
West Indies squad: Shai Hope (C), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell*, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd.