After an 18-year absence, the West Indies arrive in Pakistan for a series of tests

On their first visit to Pakistan in 18 years for the long format of cricket, the West Indies team arrived here on Monday to play a series of two Test matches.

The squad arrived in Islamabad on flight EK 612 from Dubai ahead of matches at the Multan Cricket Stadium later this month.

As part of their preparations, the visitors will play a three-day practice match against the Pakistan Shaheens from 10 January.

Both teams will meet in Islamabad on 6 January and training sessions will take place over the next few days. The Pakistani team will begin training at the Islamabad club on 7 January. In preparation for the series, the Caribbean team will hold intensive training sessions over two days, on 8 and 9 January.

This tour represents a major milestone for cricket in Pakistan, as it is the first Test series West Indies will play in Pakistan since their 2006 visit.

While West Indies have visited Pakistan three times since 2018 for limited-overs rugby, this is the first longer series for almost 20 years.

The Pakistan and West Indies have played 54 Test matches against each other, with Pakistan leading the head-to-head record with 21 wins. The Windies, meanwhile, have won 18 Tests and 15 matches have ended in draws.

The most recent Test series between the two teams took place in 2021 in the Caribbean and ended in a 1-1 draw.

The West Indies team: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican.

The Shaheens team from Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq (captain), Ahmed Bashir, Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Ali Zaryab, Haseebullah, Hussain Talat, Kashif Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rameez Jr, Mohammad Suleman, Musa Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir and Saad Khan.

Pakistan Shaheens vs West Indies — Three-day warm-up matches session timings:

10 January – Day 1

Toss – 9:00 AM

1st session – 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Lunch – 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

2nd session – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Tea – 3:00 PM to 3:20 PM

3rd session – 3:20 PM to 4:50 PM

11 & 12 January – Day 2 & 3

1st session – 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Lunch – 12:00 PM to 12:40 PM

2nd session – 12:40 PM to 2:40 PM

Tea – 2:40 PM to 3:00 PM

3rd session – 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Two-Match Test series schedule:

First Test: January 17-21, Multan Cricket Stadium

Second Test: January 25-29, Multan Cricket Stadium