PAKvWI 2023: T20 series likely to be postponed to free players for leagues

Pakistan's home T20I series against the West Indies in early 2023 is likely to be postponed until the beginning of the following season.

According to reports, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have agreed to postpone the three-match T20I series between the two nations until 2024. The Men in Maroon were scheduled to tour Pakistan next year in January 2023 for three-match T20 series.

West Indies was scheduled to tour Pakistan next year in January 2023 for three match T20 series.

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Due to the resulting schedule gap, it may be conceivable for players from both teams to become available for the various T20 leagues at that time.

During the month of January 2023, when the series of Pakistan and West Indies was scheduled, there will be the ILT20 in the United Arab Emirates, the SA20 in South Africa, the BBL in Australia, and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

West Indies have already toured Pakistan twice in last ten months. The two teams played three T20Is in December 2021 before the ODIs had to be postponed till June of this year because of COVID-19 outbreak in the West Indies. The ICC World Cup Super League ODIs were moved to June 2022 in Multan.

The three games will most likely be added to West Indies' visit in February 2024 when they are due to play three Tests as part of the World Test Championship.

For the BBL, SA20, and ILT20, several West Indian players have already joined their respective teams. Pakistan's players were not included in the SA20 auction due to their international home schedule and rumors that they would not be accepted into a league when IPL companies own all six clubs. 

No Pakistani players have received NOCs for the ILT20 either. The BPL, which appears to be a destination for some of them in that newly available slot, could be the recipient.