The West Indies men’s cricket team will embark on their first Test tour of Pakistan in nearly two decades, arriving on January 6, 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Tuesday. The tour includes two Test matches, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
Previous Test Encounters
The last time West Indies played a Test series in Pakistan was in November 2006, featuring three matches. Their most recent Test series against Pakistan took place in the UAE in October 2016, during Pakistan’s tenure of hosting home games abroad due to security concerns following the 2009 militant attack in Lahore.
Recent Visits by West Indies
Despite a long gap in Test series, the West Indies have toured Pakistan three times since 2018. These included an ODI series in June 2022 and two T20I series in April 2018 and December 2021.
Tour Schedule and Venues
According to the PCB, the West Indies squad will arrive in Islamabad and play a three-day warm-up match against Pakistan Shaheens from January 10 to 12 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The Test series will follow, with matches scheduled as follows:
- First Test: January 17-21 in Multan
- Second Test: January 25-29 in Multan
Revival of Cricket in Pakistan
Pakistan has faced challenges in hosting international cricket since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, which led to a decade-long hiatus for home series. However, improved security conditions have gradually brought back international teams and stars.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
This tour is part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to reestablish itself as a premier cricketing destination. The country is also set to host the ICC Champions Trophy in February-March 2025, marking the first ICC tournament on Pakistani soil since it co-hosted the ICC ODI World Cup in 1996.
This historic tour by the West Indies will further reinforce Pakistan’s resurgence as a host for international cricket.
