West Indies set to tour Pakistan in March next year

A strong West Indies side featuring the reputed names is expected to play a 3-match T20I series in Lahore, Pakistan. Cricket West Indies had earlier committed to play a series in the eventful country. The tour was set to take place this year in November but due to certain logistical hurdles, the tour has to be postponed. Known for its big-hitting prowess, the arrival of the Windies side will delight all the fans in and around Pakistan.

PCB chairman Najam Sethi has confirmed the tour with the three games slotted on March 29, 31 and 1st April. He also added that both PCB and CWI have mutually agreed to play a series of Twenty20 matches annually over the next five years both in Pakistan and the United States, provided the availability of dates.

Windies-Pak set for action

“There were talks to play the series in November, but due to unforeseen weather, we didn’t take a risk so we will start our first series from March next year followed by the one in the USA,” Sethi said in Lahore. “From then onwards, they will keep coming to Pakistan for the next five years and we will reciprocate by playing in the USA. But the series we will play in the USA will be a tri-series with the third team to be decided later.”

Earlier, there were rumors that around six high-profile West Indian players including the likes of Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo have refused to visit Pakistan for the series despite PCB’s recent success in conducting international games, which was played at the Gaddafi Stadium. The ongoing smog in Punjab, particularly in Lahore, was also cited as one of the major reasons. It will be interesting to see which country adds up as the third team to feature in the triangular series.