The cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming Pakistan vs West Indies Test series, set to unfold in January 2025. This series marks a significant moment as it will be the first time in 19 years that West Indies will tour Pakistan for a Test match.
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| Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo |
The series comprises two Tests, both to be hosted at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan, starting from January 17 for the first game and January 25 for the second and final Test match of this 2-match series.
Pakistan, fresh from a challenging tour in South Africa, has revamped their squad, introducing seven new faces. The return of experienced players like Imam-ul-Haq and the inclusion of spinners Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed signal Pakistan's strategy to leverage their spin bowling prowess on home soil.
With Saim Ayub injured, Pakistan does not seem to have another option other than going back to out-of-form Imam. Captain Shan Masood, alongside stars like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, aims to turn the tide after a tough outing in South Africa.
On the other side, West Indies, under the leadership of Kraigg Brathwaite, brings a mix of experienced campaigners and fresh talent. The squad includes names like Kemar Roach and Gudakesh Motie but will miss the services of Shamar Joseph due to injury.
This tour presents an opportunity for the West Indies to gauge their standing against one of cricket's traditional powerhouses on challenging Pakistani pitches. Both teams are part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, with each match contributing to their points tally.
With both the World Test Championship teams already finalized, this 2-match series will be a dead rubber not impacting the Lord's Final in June this year. However, it would serve as a great help for the teams to practice for the upcoming cycle.
Cricket enthusiasts are eager to see how the West Indies adapt to conditions favoring spin and whether Pakistan can capitalize on their home advantage. This series promises not only competitive cricket but also a nostalgic return for West Indies to Pakistani soil after nearly two decades.
Pakistan Test Squad: Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha.
West Indies Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Joshua Da Silva (vc), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican
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