Pakistan is set to conclude their ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 campaign on a high as they face the West Indies in a two-match Test series starting January 17 at Multan Cricket Stadium. The second Test will follow at the same venue on January 25.
This marks the West Indies’ first Test tour to Pakistan since December 2006. Currently, they sit at the bottom of the World Test Championship table. Historically, Pakistan secured a 2-0 victory in their last home Test series against the West Indies, led by Inzamam-ul-Haq. Their most recent red-ball clash in 2021 ended in a 1-1 draw in the Caribbean.
Read more: Saud Shakeel Rises in ICC Test Batters Rankings
Under Shan Masood’s leadership, Pakistan aims to secure back-to-back home series wins after defeating England 2-1 in October. The squad completed three days of intensive training, while Kraigg Brathwaite’s team trained for two days and played a three-day warm-up match against Pakistan Shaheens.
Pakistan’s squad features three uncapped players: Kashif Ali, Mohammad Huraira, and Rohail Nazir. Returning players include Abrar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ali, and Sajid Khan. Notably, Abrar Ahmed and Sajid Khan need 11 and six wickets, respectively, to reach 50 Test wickets.
Captain Shan Masood emphasized the importance of finishing the championship strong, acknowledging the West Indies’ talent and expressing confidence in Pakistan’s preparedness and momentum from their recent series win.
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, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha.
West Indies Squad (1st Test):
Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Keacy Carty, Kevin Sinclair, Mikyle Louis, Tevin Imlach.
