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Pakistan-West Indies likely to play five to six T20Is as talks progress

The opening T20I between Pakistan and West Indies is scheduled for July 31

Pakistan-West Indies likely to play five to six T20Is as talks progress PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan and West Indies may play up to six T20Is this summer, as both cricket boards are considering a revised schedule for their upcoming white-ball series, sources revealed on Wednesday.

Originally, the two teams were set to play three T20Is in the United States followed by a three-match ODI series in the Caribbean in late July and August. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly proposed replacing the ODI matches with additional T20Is, in line with preparations for major upcoming tournaments.

“The PCB is optimistic that West Indies will agree to the proposed change,” a source familiar with the discussions said.

If approved, the new plan could see the T20I series extended to five or even six matches, with the first match likely to be held on July 31. An official announcement is expected soon.

The change would help both teams prepare for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

As per the current schedule, the three T20Is are slated for July 31, August 2 and August 3. Meanwhile, the ODI matches are scheduled for August 8, 10 and 12 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, should the original plan remain unchanged.

In addition to the West Indies tour, Pakistan is also expected to play a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh in July. While the official schedule has yet to be announced, sources confirm that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has proposed matches on July 20, 22, and 24, all at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.

This series is not part of the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), but was finalised during meetings between PCB and BCB officials held on the sidelines of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be jointly hosted by Pakistan and the UAE.

Bangladesh last visited Pakistan earlier this year for a T20I series, which the hosts won 3-0. That series marked the debut assignment for Pakistan’s new white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.