Big names uncertain as PCB nears final squad announcement for upcoming tours

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has completed internal discussions regarding the white-ball squads for upcoming international assignments, sources confirmed on Wednesday.

According to insiders, the PCB is waiting for a response from the West Indies Cricket Board (CWI) on a proposal to convert the three-match ODI series into T20 Internationals (T20Is). If approved, the board is expected to announce a joint T20 squad for both the Bangladesh and West Indies series.

Sources said that the PCB is hopeful the CWI will agree to the proposed change, as the switch would align better with preparations for the T20-format ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The squad announcement is expected soon after a formal response is received from the West Indies board.

While no major changes are anticipated in the T20 squad, sources indicate that left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem is likely to be included.

However, the return of senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi remains uncertain for the upcoming matches. The PCB’s selection committee is hopeful that these senior players will bounce back, taking inspiration from other top players who made successful comebacks in the past.

Players have been told that the door for selection remains open, and strong performances in domestic and league cricket will improve their chances of a recall. The selection committee is also focusing on identifying and preparing young talent to meet the demands of modern cricket.

Pakistan is currently scheduled to tour the USA and West Indies in July and August for a white-ball series, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs.

The T20Is are set to take place on July 31, August 2, and August 3, while the ODIs are planned for August 8, 10, and 12 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

However, the schedule may be revised if the ODI matches are officially converted to T20Is following further discussions between the PCB and CWI.