Pakistan to Host West Indies for Two-Test Series in Multan
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Tuesday the schedule for the upcoming West Indies men’s cricket team’s tour of Pakistan. The two-match Test series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, will be played in Multan this January.
The West Indies team is set to arrive in Islamabad on January 6, marking their first Test tour of Pakistan in nearly two decades. The last time the Caribbean side played a Test series in Pakistan was in November 2006, while their last away Test series against Pakistan took place in the UAE in October 2016.
Tour Schedule and Warm-Up Match
Before the Tests, the West Indies will play a three-day warm-up match against Pakistan Shaheens at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from January 10 to 12. This preparatory match will set the stage for the two back-to-back Tests scheduled as follows:
- First Test: January 17-21, Multan Cricket Stadium
- Second Test: January 25-29, Multan Cricket Stadium
Significance of the Series
While both teams are no longer in contention for a spot in the World Test Championship final, the series provides an opportunity for both sides to improve their standings and test emerging talent.
Historical Context
This marks the West Indies’ first Test series in Pakistan in 19 years. However, they have toured Pakistan on multiple occasions for shorter formats since 2018, including:
- April 2018 and December 2021: T20I series
- June 2022: ODI series
The tour underscores the growing confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host international cricket matches safely and securely.
Match Timings for the Tests
The PCB has also released the playing hours for the Test matches:
- First Session: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Second Session: 12:40 PM – 2:40 PM (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Fridays)
- Third Session: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (3:20 PM – 4:50 PM on Fridays)
A Milestone Return
This series represents another milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to reestablish itself as a host for major cricketing events. With the West Indies’ return for Test matches, the tour is expected to further strengthen the cricketing ties between the two nations and showcase Pakistan’s hospitality and cricketing passion.
