By Zainab Shafiq 
The West Indies cricket team has landed in Pakistan, and this is a historic moment for cricket. Their arrival on Monday via flight EK 612 from Dubai marks their return to Pakistani soil after 18 years for a two-match Test series. The series is scheduled to take place at Multan Cricket Stadium later this month.
Part of the build-up towards the series for the West Indies team, who will feature in a three-day practice match against Pakistan Shaheens, this match slated for January 10 is one they will hold so dear before beginning their engagements proper. As a matter of fact, the visitors will convene in Islamabad on January 6, before some serious preparation through training camps within the remaining few days.
The Pakistan team will start their training on January 7 at the Islamabad Club. The Caribbean players have a busy schedule, with two consecutive intense training sessions on January 8 and 9 to perfect their plans.
A First for Pakistan Cricket
This series is a monumental milestone for Pakistan cricket. It not only marks the West Indies’ first Test series in the country since 2006 but also underscores the revival of international cricket in Pakistan. While the two teams have clashed in limited-overs series on three occasions since 2018, this will be their first long-format battle on Pakistani soil in nearly two decades.
Pakistan holds a historical advantage over West Indies in Test matches. Of the 54 played, Pakistan has gained 21 games while West Indies have won 18 games and the remainder 15 were drawn. West Indies toured the Caribbean in 2021, and the Test series that was played was a draw as well, 1-1.
Team Squads
The West Indies has a combination of experience and youthful talent, captained by Kraigg Brathwaite. Star players include Joshua Da Silva, Kemar Roach, and Gudakesh Motie. Pakistan Shaheens has Imam-ul-Haq as captain and has very promising players such as Mohammad Huraira and Hussain Talat.
West Indies Squad:
Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican.
Pakistan Shaheens squad:
Imam-ul-Haq (captain), Ahmed Bashir, Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Ali Zaryab, Haseebullah, Hussain Talat, Kashif Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rameez Jr., Mohammad Suleman, Musa Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir, and Saad Khan.
Warm-up match details
The three-day practice match between Pakistan Shaheens and West Indies will begin on January 10, from 9:30 AM to 4:50 PM. Sessions will run differently over the three days due to breaks in match timings.
10 January – Day 1
- Toss – 9:00 AM
- 1st session – 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
- Lunch – 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
- 2nd session – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Tea – 3:00 PM to 3:20 PM
- 3rd session – 3:20 PM to 4:50 PM
11 & 12 January – Day 2 & 3
- 1st session – 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
- Lunch – 12:00 PM to 12:40 PM
- 2nd session – 12:40 PM to 2:40 PM
- Tea – 2:40 PM to 3:00 PM
- 3rd session – 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Test Series Schedule
The eagerly awaited two-match Test series will start on January 17, with the first Test running until January 21 at Multan Cricket Stadium. The second Test is scheduled for January 25-29 at the same venue.
This series is more than a contest; it is the celebration of the revival of cricket in Pakistan. Fans are keen to see this historic clash because these two teams are renewing their Test rivalry in the heart of South Asia.
- First Test: January 17-21, Multan Cricket Stadium
- Second Test: January 25-29, Multan Cricket Stadium
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