West Indies give Pakistan Cricket Board a shock, may not play T20 series
The Pakistan cricket team’s upcoming three-match Twenty20 International series against West Indies, the two-time World champions, has reportedly been postponed with several leading Caribbean players expressing concerns over security and smog conditions.
West Indies have postponed their visit to Pakistan for a three-match Twenty20 with the leading Caribbean players expressing concerns about their security in the country, sources have claimed.
Pakistan Cricket Board sources said the tour will now be planned next year when a window is available to both the teams even as the PCB has made no official comment on the fate of the tour.
“Some of the players were reluctant to tour when the West Indies Board spoke to them. seniors like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dawyne Bravo made it clear they would not be available for the series if it went ahead,” one source said.
“Even the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) had concerns despite being sent the report of the security company hired by the ICC to inspect security situation and arrangements in Pakistan,” the source added.
After inspection visits and positive reports of the security experts, World Eleven had come to play three T20 matches in Lahore in September and Sri Lankan Board also sent its team, albeit, a depleted one to Lahore for a lone Twenty20 International on October 29.
“But apparently even the World Eleven and Sri Lankan team tours were not enough to lay to rest the concerns of some West Indies players,” the source said.
Another source said since West Indies had to go to New Zealand from November 25th, the smog and foggy conditions in Lahore led to the postponement of the tour.
“But it will take place eventually as the West Indies cricket board have not backed out and are committed to making the tour,” the source said.
IPL 2024 Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Score, PBKS vs MI Live Score and get exclusive insights with the IPL Match Today, IPL Points Table match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and IPL Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.