CWI, PCB in Standoff Over White-Ball Series Format Ahead of T20 World Cup

Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are reportedly in disagreement regarding the format of their upcoming white-ball series scheduled for August in the United States and the Caribbean. Sources indicate that the Pakistan team is advocating for changes to the Caribbean leg of the tour and may explore alternative options if the West Indies board does not revise the schedule.

Pakistan aims for maximum T20 exposure ahead of the World Cup. © Getty

The series is currently slated to feature three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs), taking place in the US and the Caribbean respectively, from August 1st to 12th. The core of the dispute centers on the PCB's request to convert the three matches of the Caribbean leg into T20Is. Insiders familiar with the discussions confirm that the Pakistan board is pushing for all matches to be played in the shortest format.

The CWI, however, is keen on maintaining the ODI format for the second leg of the series in Trinidad, as originally planned. This is understandable, given that the West Indies, having failed to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, are eager to play more 50-over matches. The CWI has confirmed to Cricbuzz that discussions with the PCB regarding the schedule are still in progress.

"The schedule remains as it is, and we continue to engage with the PCB on the matter," stated CWI CEO Chris Dehring, adding that further discussions between the two boards are expected to occur during the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore.

The PCB's rationale behind their request is to maximize their exposure to Twenty20 Internationals, especially considering the upcoming T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka next year. PCB COO Sumair Ahmed has publicly addressed this matter. While announcing the T20I squad for the Bangladesh series, he mentioned that the PCB is actively engaged in discussions with the CWI to provide the national T20 side with ample opportunities.

As per the existing schedule, the three T20Is are scheduled for August 1st, 2nd, and 4th in Lauderhill, Florida, followed by three ODIs in Tarouba, Trinidad, on August 8th, 10th, and 12th.