A disagreement between PCB and CWI over converting ODIs to T20Is puts Pakistan’s tour of the Caribbean at risk.
PCB Pushes for T20Is, West Indies Want ODIs
The upcoming limited-overs series between Pakistan and the West Indies is hanging in the balance as both boards clash over the format. Pakistan is scheduled to play three T20Is in Florida (August 1, 3, and 4), followed by three ODIs in Trinidad (August 8, 10, and 12).
However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally requested the Cricket West Indies (CWI) to convert the ODIs into T20Is, aiming to sharpen their squad ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
So far, CWI has shown little interest in accommodating the change.
“The PCB wrote to CWI requesting the switch, but there’s been no response or willingness from their end,” a PCB official said.
West Indies Reluctant to Let Go of ODI Opportunities
Sources within the West Indies camp suggest that their hesitation stems from a strategic motive: ODI ranking points.
Currently ranked 9th in ODIs, West Indies are chasing a spot in the top 8, which would secure direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup, alongside hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe. Falling short would mean battling through the qualifiers — a path they’ve already struggled through in recent years.
“They see this as a rare opportunity to climb the rankings by beating a higher-ranked team like Pakistan,” a source close to CWI explained.
A Matter of Redemption for the West Indies
Once giants of one-day cricket, the West Indies failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup and were forced to go through qualifiers in 2019. For a team that once lifted the first two World Cups and finished runners-up in 1983, that fall has been hard to swallow.
“Playing more ODIs against top teams is their best shot at clawing back,” the source added. “They believe beating Pakistan could make a real difference.”
Series at Risk If No Agreement Is Reached
With both boards holding firm and time running short, the ODI leg of the tour could be cancelled altogether. If no agreement is reached, Pakistan might walk away from the Caribbean portion of the series.
For now, the cricketing world watches closely as this standoff unfolds — a clash not on the field, but across boardroom tables.
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