By Zainab Shafiq 
As anticipation builds around the Pakistan squad for West Indies series, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively negotiating with Cricket West Indies (CWI) to revise the series format. The original schedule includes three T20 Internationals followed by three One Day Internationals (ODIs), but the PCB is pushing to turn the entire tour into a T20I-only affair, a move driven by strategic planning for the upcoming global events.
PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, Sumair Ahmad Syed, speaking to the media after announcing the Pakistan squad for the Bangladesh tour, confirmed that talks with CWI were in their final stages. “Our primary goal is to maximise T20 experience for the players ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup and 2026 T20 World Cup,” he said. The final decision and the squad is expected within the next couple of days, potentially altering the entire landscape of Pakistan’s Caribbean tour.
Why PCB Wants More T20s, Not ODIs
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, PCB is aligning its scheduling priorities accordingly. Swapping ODIs for T20s would allow Pakistan’s coaching staff to test different combinations, especially in American and Caribbean conditions, similar to those expected in next year’s ICC event.
If the West Indies agree, the Pakistan squad for the West Indies series may comprise a single T20-focused unit. However, if the original format remains intact, PCB may opt for two squads, one tailored for ODIs and the other for T20Is.
This change could also impact ticketing. Cricket West Indies has already launched sales, offering fans promotional rates: 50% off on T20I tickets and a two-for-one offer. The T20Is are scheduled for July 31, August 2, and August 3 in Lauderhill, Florida, followed by ODIs in Trinidad on August 8, 10, and 12.
Will West Indies Agree to the Change?
Despite PCB’s strong preference for more T20s, CWI is reportedly keen on sticking with the existing format. No official statement has yet been issued, but internal sources suggest the West Indies board is hesitant to alter logistics and ticketing for the already-announced schedule.
Until the format is confirmed, the Pakistan squad for the West Indies series remains under wraps.
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