Pakistan aim to finish ICC Test Championship 2023-25 on a high note
Multan: Pakistan is set to conclude their ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 campaign with a two-match Test series against West Indies at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The series begins on 17 January, with the second Test scheduled to start on 25 January, both at the same venue.
This marks West Indies’ first Test series in Pakistan since December 2006, where the hosts, led by Inzamam-ul-Haq, secured a 2-0 victory in a three-match series. The two sides last met in the red-ball format in 2021 in the Caribbean, where the series ended in a 1-1 draw.Pakistan announces squad for ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup
Pakistan, captained by Shan Masood, aims to build on their success from October last year, where they defeated England 2-1 at home. West Indies, led by Kraigg Brathwaite, are currently at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship standings and are keen to put up a strong fight.
Preparations
Pakistan’s 15-member squad has completed an intensive three-day training camp at the Multan Cricket Stadium. West Indies, after a three-day warm-up match against Pakistan Shaheens in Islamabad and two days of practice in Multan, are acclimatizing to local conditions.
Pakistan Squad Highlights
• Uncapped Players: Kashif Ali (fast bowler), Mohammad Huraira (batter), and Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper-batter).
• Recalls: Abrar Ahmed, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Ali, and Imam-ul-Haq.
• Milestones: Abrar Ahmed and Sajid Khan are nearing their 50 Test wickets, needing 11 and six wickets, respectively.
Key Statements
Shan Masood:
“This series is crucial for us as it marks the conclusion of our current ICC World Test Championship campaign. Each match in Test cricket is significant, and we aim to deliver our best. The win against England has given us momentum, and we’re confident in our ability to adapt and succeed against a talented West Indies side.”
Kraigg Brathwaite:
“This is an exciting tour for us, as most of the players, including myself, are visiting Pakistan for the first time. Facing a strong team like Pakistan at home is challenging, but we’re prepared to compete and adapt to these conditions. Taking 20 wickets and putting up solid performances with the bat will be key.”
Squads
Pakistan Squad:
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper-batter), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper-batter), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha.
West Indies Squad for 1st Test:
Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo (wicketkeeper), Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Keacy Carty, Kevin Sinclair, Mikyle Louis, Tevin Imlach.
Not considered for 1st Test: Anderson Phillip, Joshua Da Silva (vice-captain), Kemar Roach.
With both teams ready to showcase their skills, fans can expect a competitive series in Multan.
