The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has concluded internal deliberations regarding the national white-ball squads for the upcoming international assignments, with final announcements now hinging on a key development: a proposed change to the bilateral series against the West Indies. While the immediate focus is on the forthcoming tours, the broader strategy is clearly aligned with preparations for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.
According to well-placed sources, the PCB has formally approached the West Indies Cricket Board (CWI) with a request to convert the scheduled three-match ODI series into T20 Internationals (T20Is). If the proposal is accepted, Pakistan will field a consolidated T20 squad for both the Bangladesh and West Indies series — a move specifically designed to fine-tune combinations ahead of the T20-format Asia Cup.
The Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for September, will serve as a crucial preparatory platform for teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan’s cricketing think tank is seeking to ensure that squad selection, match readiness, and team cohesion are all aligned with this larger objective.
A formal squad announcement is expected soon after the PCB receives an official response from the West Indies board. At this stage, major overhauls in the T20 squad appear unlikely. However, left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem is among the probable inclusions, reflecting the board’s intention to test emerging talent under international pressure.
The return of senior players such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi remains uncertain, though internal discussions suggest that the management is hopeful of their eventual reintegration. These players were recently rested following the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and their potential comeback would add significant depth to the squad.
PCB has reportedly communicated to players that the doors to national selection remain open, contingent on form and fitness. A strong emphasis has been placed on performances in domestic competitions and franchise leagues, signaling a merit-based selection process. Players have also been briefed about a renewed focus on grooming young talent to meet modern cricketing demands, particularly in the shortest format.
As of now, Pakistan is scheduled to tour the West Indies in July and August for a white-ball series comprising three T20Is and three ODIs. The T20I leg is set to begin on July 31, followed by matches on August 2 and 3. The ODI fixtures are tentatively slated for August 8, 10, and 12 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.
Should the West Indies board agree to the proposed format change, the ODI series will be replaced by additional T20Is, giving Pakistan a more focused lead-up to the Asia Cup 2025. The move would not only enhance Pakistan’s match readiness but also allow the management to trial key players in competitive conditions before finalizing the Asia Cup squad.
A formal decision from CWI is expected soon, which will pave the way for the PCB’s official squad announcement. Until then, all eyes remain on how Pakistan structures its build-up to one of the most anticipated T20 tournaments of the year.
