On Thursday, the West Indies cricket team arrived in Pakistan for a visit that local officials hope will erase bitter memories of a New Zealand tour that was cancelled due to security concerns.
Starting Monday, the Windies will play three Twenty20 and three one-day internationals in Karachi, their first visit to the port city since 2018.
According to a Pakistani official, a 26-member delegation arrived in Karachi early Thursday and was escorted to the team hotel by heavy security.
Following a security alert, New Zealand abruptly ended their first tour to the country in 18 years just before the first match was scheduled to begin.
Following that, England announced that their men’s and women’s teams would not be visiting in October.
Officials in Pakistan were incensed by the cancellations, claiming that security procedures were tight.
Pakistan was obliged to play home international matches in other countries, primarily the United Arab Emirates, until 2015, when normal service was tentatively resumed.
Regulars Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, and Lendl Simmons have all opted out of this West Indian squad due to personal reasons.
Jason Holder, the former captain, has been rested, while Fabian Allen and Obed McCoy have been ruled out due to injuries.
Last week, captain Kieron Pollard withdrew due to a hamstring injury, leaving Nicholas Pooran in charge of Twenty20 cricket and Shai Hope in charge of ODIs.
Later Thursday, four players will join the team: Akeal Hosein, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, and Odean Smith.
The three Twenty20 Internationals will take place on December 13, 14, and 16, while the ODIs will take place on December 18, 20, and 22.
T20I squad: Nicholas Pooran (captain), Shai Hope, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Akeal Hosein, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr, Rovman Powell
ODI squad: Shai Hope (captain), Nicholas Pooran, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Raymon Reifer, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr, Devon Thomas
The green shirts have returned home after winning the T20 and Test series against Pakistan.
On December 10, the team will arrive in Karachi and Lahore, with skipper Babar Azam joining the team’s boil-bubble.
‘The West Indies intends to keep its word.’
Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chief Executive Officer Johnny Grave stated in September that the cricket organisation intends to fulfil all of its tour commitments, including those with Pakistan.
He had stated, “We plan to fulfil the responsibilities of tours.” The CEO did say, though, that the board will follow customary procedures.
Schedule
9 Dec – West Indies arrival in Karachi
13 Dec – 1st T20I, Karachi
14 Dec – 2nd T20I, Karachi
16 Dec – 3rd T20I, Karachi
18 Dec – 1st ODI, Karachi
20 Dec – 2nd ODI, Karachi
22 Dec – 3rd ODI, Karachi
23 Dec – Departure
